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COPYRIGHT DEPOSm 



THE RED BOOK 



OF HOUSTON 



A Compendium of 
Social, Professional, Religious, Educational and Industrial Interests 

of Houston's Colored Population 



Edition Number One 



PR ICE 

$3.50 



PUBLISHED B V 

SOTEX PUBLISHING COMPANY 

HOUSTON, TEXAS 



CUMMfNO & SONS. ART PRINTERS. HOUSTON 



©CI.A416154 

OCT 30 1915 



Intrnburtorji 



In placing the RED BOOK before the public it is not the intention of the publishers to 
color, to flatter or to cover any fact or condition, or to take into consideration any of the 
so-called racial problems, or to unduly advertise any race or man, or to draw any compari- 
sons, or to make any bid for notoriety or publicity, but merely to give credit where credit 
is due and to set down in permanent form the record of some of the members of the Afri- 
can race who stand for the uplift. It is a compilation of the facts and conditions socially, 
religiously, educationally, professionally and industrially drawn from the lives and work of 
those who stand for better things for the race. 

The paths of racial peace are straight and narrow. 

The Ruler of the Universe has designed that some skins be black, some white, some 
yellow, some brown, some red. Still the color of the skin does not always determine the 
characteristics. The only way we can determine that is by the life led by the race. 

Every individual owes it to his race to remain true to the racial lines and traditions 
and to work up, through the mediums offered, to the best life possible under the conditions. 

Despite the existence of a few critics, carpers and cranks, racial prejudices between 
the white and black races in the South are dying out. No longer does either race desire 
to carry or be carried on the back of the other. 

A sane readjustment of racial differences, a sensible view of I'acial incompatibilities 
and a practical knowledge of racial characteristics, such as we now have, is taking the sting 
of contact away and good feeling in the main is manifested between the two races, geo- 
graphically together but racially far apart. 

It is a well known fact that the feeling of Racial Pride now has a greater hold on the 
sentiments of the Afro-American race than ever before in its history. 

The Afro- American knows and has always known that the prosperity of the white 
race has always meant his prosperity and the common-sense element of the white race is 
learning fast that the progress and prosperity of the Afro-American race is good for both 
races. 

Despite the carpers of both races, the Afro-American race fares better among the 
whites of the Southern States than anywhere else in the world. 

A careful analysis of the progress of those of the race, who are surrounded by suit- 
able conditions and have proper encouragement, shows that since the Civil War, it has 
surpassed that of any known race that has come up out of slavery. 

Each race, and especially the Afro-American, has found that greater advancement is 
to be made along rational, racial lines, and greater profit and pleasure comes from adher- 
ing strictly to these. 

A worthy man in his race, whatever it is, loses that worthiness when he attempts to 
obliterate social and racial barriers imposed by a beneficent Jehovah. He must stay in 
his own to prove the worthiness of his life. 

So simply with a desire to give true inspiration through the medium of a permanent 
record of achievement to those of the race who appreciate its value and with the knowl- 
edge that every man is entitled to due credit, no matter the race, the state or condition, 
this book is dedicated to those who stand for the uplift, with the hope that it will hurt no 

man but be of large benefit to manv and manv more yet to come. 

THE PUBLISHERS. 



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In our educational life, in our industrial life, in most of our efforts and strivings, the 
Negro is now face to face with new conditions. Circumstances have landed him, all unpre- 
pared, as it were, into the midst of the keenest struggle for survival that is taking place 
anywhere in the world. 

Education is the means through which we, the Negro people, are to be prepared to 
meet these changing conditions and survive in this competition. The whole method of mod- 
ern education is inspired with a desire to equip its students for life, to make them, in 
short, efficient. 

We have heard a great deal of discussion in recent years about the value of different 
kinds of education. I hazard the statement that in all the world there are, despite angry 
contention and futile discussion to the contrary, but two kinds of education — the "effi- 
cient" and the "inefficient." The education which first of all helps a man to find himself and 
the powers that are within him, and next to use these trained powers in service for his 
fellows is efficient education, and the education which fails to do this is inefficient edu- 
cation. 

The first strivings of the race following emancipation were to acquire the education of 
the traditional curriculum without considering whether it had reference to the things of 
life or not. 

During the first fifty years of freedom we, as a race, have been mainly interested in 
proving to ourselves and to the world that we could swallow and digest, at least sufticient- 
ly to meet the requirements of the schools, just as much of the material in books as any 
other race. 

The time has now come, however, when the Negro race must, as Prof. Kelly Miller 
says : "Transmute those figurative substances into power." That means that as a race we 
have got "to get busy," to show what we can do with the education we have acquired be- 
side merely handing it down as a tradition to others. 

What does that mean? It means that no school, anywhere in the land, shall, in the 
future, be counted only so far as it is able to make itself felt in the every-day life of those 
whom it is designed to serve. The time has come for us everywhere, in our education 
and in our daily activities, to seek to supply our own needs and take advantage of our 
economic opportunities. 

What are some of these neeas and opportunities? First of all, we need to acquire 
the habit of reading books. In slavery the Negro made the acquaintance of the English 
language, which, to quote Pi of. Miller again, is "the most effective agency of civilization 
now operating on the face of the earth." In the first fifty years after slavery we have 
learned, to a very large extent, the technique, the formal elements of reading and writ- 
ing. We have in our possession the secrets of all the knowledge and culture of the world. 
But to what extent have we made use of that knowledge? How many of us make use in 



6 THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 

our daily life of the vast stores of information upon every conceivable subject which are 
to be found in current literature, in the magazines and books that are daily issuing from 
the press? How many of our teachers or students keep track even of the events of vital 
interest to our race that are transpiring every day ? 

How many of our people, for instance, know anything at all about the organization 
and the work of the Stokes Fund, which has its investigators looking into the whole sub- 
ject of Negro education in the South, inspecting Negro institutions of learning to deter- 
mine their elements of strength and weakness; of the Anna T. Jeanes Fund, which is 
helping the rural schools for Negroes by providing teachers and supervisors and directing 
their work along sane and progressive lines ; of the Southern Sociological Congress, that 
body of intelligent Southerners who meet annually and whose sole purpose is to work out a 
program of race adjustment, fair alike to blacks and whites; of the University Commis- 
sion, composed of representatives of each of the great universities of the South, for the 
study of the race question; of Prof. William I. Thomas, of the University of Chicago, 
and of his study of the peasants in Europe, and who has shown how closely akin the prob- 
lems of the peasant in Europe are to those ot the Negro in America? How many of our 
people know anything at all of the workings of these organizations and agencies which 
are setting in motion forces of incalculable value to us as a race? 

To bring the question nearer home to you, let me ask, how many of our people who 
live in Texas actually know about conditions in their own State, in their own counties? 

One of the problems that deserves our earnest attention is health conditions among 
our people throughout the land. These facts developed at a recent Health Conference on 
the Negro are almost startling : 

450,000 Negroes in the South are seriously ill all the time : this means 18 days a year 
for each Negro inhabitant in the South. 

The annual cost of the sickness of these 450,000 Negroes is $75,000,000. 

112,000 Negro workers in the South are sick all the time; their annual loss in earn- 
ings is $45,000,000. 

45 per cent of the annual deaths among the Negroes of the South are preventable. 

225,000 Negroes in the South die annually, and it is estimated that 100,000 of these 
could be prevented. 

600,000 Negroes of the present population will die from tuberculosis; 150,000 of these 
can and should be saved. 

The annual funeral expenses of Negroes in the South amount to $15,000,000 ; $6,500,- 
000 of this sum could be saved. 

The annual loss to the South in potential earnings because of preventable deaths 
among Negroes is $170,000,000. 

Sickness and deaths cost our people in the South $100,000,000 annually and $50,000,- 
000 of this amount could be saved. 

These facts have been compiled by Mr. Monroe N. Work, a statistician of proved 
ability, and I am sure they may be trusted as being absolutely true. 

But let me bring these statements nearer home. There are each year among the col- 
ored people of Houston probably from 700 to 800 deaths. About 45 per cent of these 
deaths are preventable; that is, over 300 of our people die each year in Houston whose 
lives could be saved. There are in the City of Houston some 30,000 colored people. Ac- 
cording to vital statistics about 1,500 of these colored people are seriously ill all the time, 
and the annual loss in earnings of these sick persons amounts to some $180,000. The 
doctors' bills among the colored people of Houston amount to about $250,000 per year, 
while the funeral expenses among our people in Houston amount to about $40,000 per 
year. The value of the lives of the 300 people who might have been prevented from dying. 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 7 

according to the average value of man's life, was about $510,000, and the total annual 
loss to the City of Houston through the sickness and death of our people is about 
$1,000,000. 

Texas claims, and rightly, that she has the best schools for Negroes in the country. 
The schools of Houston lead the State. Let me urge that through these schools the funda- 
mental lessons of good health be taught, not only to the pupils but also to the people at 
large. No school should count itself doing its best unless it turn its attention to saving 
lives, in improving the health of the people, and in helping them in these vital and partic- 
ular directions. 

These are facts which our teachers should be familiar with ; they are facts that should 
be taught in the schools in connection with hygiene. The school should be the agency for 
distributing these facts among our people. 

We must study in the schools not merely the formal matters in the text-books, but 
we must connect these matters with those matters of special import and interest to our 
people. 

In the country at large 87 per cent of Negro males are engaged in gainful pursuits; 
54 per cent or more of the females of our race are similarly engaged in the gainful pur- 
suits. Of the whites, 78 per cent of the males are so engaged, and only 18 per cent of 
white females. What does this mean? If it means anything at all, it means that the 
Negroes in the United States are engaged primarily in the basic, fundamental industries. 
What will help to quicken the industrial intelligence of this group of men and women will 
raise the whole level of life among our people and bring into operation forces of extraor- 
dinary power and might. 

Now, the fact which I want to impress upon the young men and women who have the 
superior advantages offered by the schools of Texas is the manner in which they and all 
of us are dependent upon the progress of the masses of the people. 

Mr. Clarence H. Poe, himself a Southerner, has stated this fact with startling clear- 
ness, in a discussion of the Negro's relation to Southern prosperity. Said he : 

"I do not know whether or not it has ever worked out as a principle of political 
economy, but it is unquestionably true that wealth is by nature not aristocratic, but demo- 
cratic. The poorer every other man is, the poorer you are. The richer every other man is, 
the richer you are. Every man whose earning power is below par, below normal, is a burden 
on the community ; he drags down the whole level of life, and every other man in the com- 
munity is poorer by reason of his presence, whether he be white man or Negro or whatnot. 
Your untrained, inefficient man is not only a poverty-breeder for himself, but the conta- 
gion of it curses every man in the community that is guilty of leaving him untrained. The 
law of changeless justice decrees that you must rise or fall, decline or prosper, with your 
neighbor. You will be richer for his wealth, poorer for his poverty. So today every man 
in the South who is tilling an acre of land so that it produces only half as much as intel- 
ligently directed labor would get out of it. is a burden on the community. Suppose you 
are his fellow citizen ; then, because of his inefficiency, his poverty, because of his failure 
to contribute to public funds and public movements, you must have poorer roads, poorer 
.schools, a meaner school house and court house, a shabbier church, lower priced lands, 
your teacher will be more poorly paid, yoir preacher's salary will be smaller, your news- 
paper will have a smaller circulation, your town will have a poorer market, your rail- 
road smaller traffic, your merchant smaller trade, your bank smaller deposits, your manu- 
facturer diminished patronage, and so on, and so on. The ramifications are infinite, un- 
ending. The doctrine is true whatever the color of the man. Let us remember, then, that 
our economic law knows no color line. White or black, the man whose efficiency is above 
par, economically considered, is a help; white or black, the man whose efficiency is below 
par is a hindrance." 



8 THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 

It is incumbent upon us, every one of us, then, to help "reach the unreached" of our 
race, not only in their moral helping, but in their industrial helping, as well, for what lifts 
one Negro lifts all, and what retards one retards all. With us, the call is to establish on 
an enduring foundation not only the intelligence of our race, but its industrial efficiency 
as well. In agriculture, in the trades, in domestic life, in the professions, in all the voca- 
tions, our economic status is to be improved if we would not be crowded to the wall by 
the keen competitions of American life. And in our struggle we shall continue to receive, 
as we have always received, the sympathetic support of the strongest forces in our 
Southern life. 

Some time ago Dr. Washington, speaking at Philadelphia, gave utterance to some 
important statements. In admonishing the Negro people of the United States of their 
advantages and opportunities, he pointed out that in the South alone among us, "a nation 
within a nation," 6,000 dry goods stores could be supported by Negroes alone ; 4,500 drug 
stores could be supported by Negroes aione; 10,000 grocery stores could be supported by 
Negroes alone ; 3,000 shoe stores could be supported by Negroes alone ; 3,000 millinery 
stores could be supported by Negroes alone; 3,000 additional banks could be supported 
by Negroes alone ; in other words, if the nine million Negroes of the South were as pro- 
gressive, as alert, as willing to take advantage of their opportunities as they should be, 
they could easily and well support 30,000 additional stores and banks. 

But I wish to bring these facts closer home to you, men and women of Texas. Based 
upon the population of this State, you should be in position to establish and creditably 
maintain not less than 200 dry goods stores. You should be able to support not less than 
500 grocery stores, 100 millinery stores and 100 shoe stores. How many have you now? 
There ought to be in the State ten Negro banks. 

In the past ten or fifteen years land values in the South have increased very rapidly. 
In some instances the increase has been from one hundred to five hundred per cent. 
Lands which fifteen years ago were selling at from $2.50 to $15.00 per acre are now 
selling at from $20.00 to $100.00 per acre. The wealth of the South has been increased 
by the rise in land values alone over $500,000,000. 

To what extent has the Negro of the South, to what extent has the Texas Negro, 
shared in these increased land values? 200,000,000 acres, or over 50 per cent, of the total 
land in the South is unimproved. There are about 10,000,000 in Alabama, 9,000,000 in 
Arkansas, 12,000,000 in Georgia, 5,000,000 in Louisiana, 6,000,000 in South Carolina and 
85,000,000 acres in Texas that are unimproved. 

Texas is the State of opportunity for agricultural improvement. There are in the 
State 112,000,000 acres of farm lands, of which only 27,000,000 acres have been im- 
proved ; that is, actually being cultivated. Of this vast domain Negroes own about 
2,000.000 acres. There are in the State 85,000,000 acres of unimproved farm lands. This is 
an area equal to all the New England States, New York and Pennsylvania. Here are op- 
portunities for thousands of Negroes to secure land, to engage in farming, in stock rais- 
ing, and thus to root themselves in the soil. 

If I might address the leaders among the Negro people of Texas, I would say : You 
men who have been favored, whether by circumstance or by your own efforts, owe it to 
your less fortunate fellows to keep before them this one vital, throbbing fact : a landless 
people is forever and a day the "sport of the gods." and without sober standing in the com- 
munity. Thoreau has written a line which should be engraved and placed above every 
black man's door: "If a man write a better book, preach a better sermon, or make a 
better basket than his neighbor, though he build his house in the woods, the world will 
make a beaten path to his door." 

If we make ourselves permanently useful, we shall deserve, as we shall receive, the 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 9 

encouragement and the support of those among whom we live. "If a man make a better 
basket than his neighbor," even though he be black, the world will buy of him the baskets 
it needs ! 

Before concluding this article I wish to speak more definitely concernmg the progress 
that the race has made in the past fifty years. In doing so I shall quote at length from 
the Negro Year Book, that great source of information, of which I am one of the publish- 
ers, concerning what the Negro is doing. The Year Book states : "Fifty years ago the 
education of the Negro in the South had just begun. There were less than 100 schools 
devoted to this purpose. In 1867 there were only 1,839 schools for the freedmen with 
2,087 teachers, of whom 699 were colored. There were 111,442 pupils. 18,758 of these 
people were studying the alphabet. 55,163 were in the spelling and ea.sy reading lesson 
classes. 42,879 were learning to write. 40,454 were studying arithmetic. 4,661 were 
studying the higher branches. 35 industrial schools were reported, in which there were 
2,124 students who were taught .sewing, knitting, straw braiding, repairing and making 
garments. In 1912-13 there are over 1,700,000 Negro children enrolled in the public 
schools of the South and over 100,0"00 in the normal schools and colleges. The 699 colored 
teachers of 1867 have increased to over 34,000, of whom 3,000 are teachers in colleges, 
normal and industrial schools. 

In 1863 there were in the South no institutions for higher and secondary education of 
the Negro. There were only four in the entire United States. In 1914 there are in the 
South fifty colleges devoted to their training. There are 13 institutions for the education 
of Negro women. There are 26 theological schools and departments. There are three 
schools of law. five of medicine, two of dentistry, four of pharmacy, 17 State agricul- 
tural and mechanical colleges, and over 400 normal and industrial schools. 

Fifty years ago the value of the school property used in the education of the freedmen 
was small. The value of the property now owned by institutions for their secondary and 
higher training is over $17,000,000. Fifty years ago only a few thousand dollars were 
being expended for the education of the Negroes. In 1914 over $4,100,000 was expended 
for their higher and industrial training and $9,700,000 in their public schools. 

Fifty years ago there were no funds specially devoted to the education of the Negroes. 
Now there are eleven educational funds from which the Negro is deriving some assist- 
ance. These are the "African Third," the Avery, the John C. Martin, the Miner, the 
Gushing, the Peabody, the John F. Slater, the Daniel Hand, the Anna T. Jeanes, 
the Phelps-Stokes and the General Educational Board. 

Fifty years ago there were no national organizations among the Negroes. There are 
now for their educational advancement the American Negro Academy, the National 
Association of Teachers in Golored Schools and the Negro National Educational Gon- 
gress; for their economic advancemeiit there are the National Negro Business League, 
the National Bankers' Association and the National Association of Funeral Directors; for 
their professional advancement there are the National Medical Association, the National 
Association of Golored Graduate Nurses, the National Negro Bar Association, the 
National Negro Press Association and the National Association of Golored Music and Art 
Glubs. In the interest of Negro women there is the National Association of Colored 
Women's Glubs. 

Fifty years ago, with the exception of a few carpenters, blacksmiths and masons, prac- 
tically all the Negroes in the South were agricultural workers. Freedom gave them an 
opportunity to engage in all sorts of occupations. The census reports show that there 
are now very few, if any, pursuits followed by whites in which there are not some 
Negroes. There are over 50,000 in the profe.ssions, that is, teachers, preachers, lawyers, 
doctors, denti.sts, editors, etc. There are some 40,000 engaged in business of various sorts. 



10 THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 

Fifty years ago there were in the South no Negro architects, electricians, photographers, 
druggists, pharmacists, dentists, physicians, or surgeons : no Negro owners of mines, cot- 
ton mills, dry goods stores, insurance companies, publishing houses or theatres, no whole- 
sale merchants, no newspapers or editors, no undertakers, no real estate dealers, and no 
hospitals managed by Negroes. Now there are Negroes managing all the above kinds of 
enterprises. They are editing 450 newspapers and periodicals. They own 100 insurance 
companies, 500 drug stores and over 20,000 grocery and other stores. There are 500,000 
or more Negroes working in the trades and in other occupations requiring skill : black- 
smiths, carpenters, cabinet makers, masons, miners, engineers, iron and steel workers, 
factory operators, printers, lithographers, engravers, gold and silver workers, tool and 
cutlery makers, etc. 

In 1863 it was not in the imagination of the most optimistic that within fifty years 
Negroes would be making good in the field of finance, be receiving ratings in the financial 
world, and be successful operators of banks. When in 1888 the Legislature of Virginia was 
asked to grant a charter for a Negro bank, the request was at first treated as a joke. There 
are now twelve Negro banks in that State and 57 in the entire country. They are capital- 
ized at about $1,600,000. They do an annual business of about $20,000,000. 

Great progress has been made in agriculture. In 1863 there were in all the United 
States only a few farms controlled by Negroes. They now operate in the South 890,140 
farms, which are 217,800 more than there were in this section in 1863. Negro farm 
laborers and Negro farmers in the South now cultivate approximately 100,000,000 acres 
of land, of which 42,500,000 acres are under the control of Negro farmers. 

During the past fifty years there has been a rapid increase in the wealth of the 
Negroes of the South. This increase was especially marked in the past ten years, during 
which time the value of the domestic animals which they own increased from $85,216,337 
to $177,273,785, or 107 per cent; poultry from $3,788,792 to $5,113,756, or 35 per cent; 
implements and machinery from $18,586,225 to $36,861,418, or 98 per cent; land and 
buildings from $69,636,420 to $273,501,665, or 293 per cent. From 1900 to 1910 the total 
value of farm property owned by the colored farmers of the South increased from $177,-- 
404,688 to $492,898,218, or 177 per cent. In 1863 the total wealth of the Negroes of this 
country was about $20,000,000. Now their total wealth is $700,000,000. 

No other emancipated people have made so great a progress in so short a time. The 
Russian serfs were emancipated in 1861. Fifty years after it was found that 14,000,000 
of them had accumulated about $500,000,000 worth of property or about $36 per capita, 
an average of about $200 per family. Fifty years after their emancipation only about 30 
per cent of the Russian peasants were able to read and write. After fifty years of free- 
dom the ten million Negroes in the United States have accumulated over $700,000,000 
worth of property, or about $70 per capita, which is an average of $350 per family. 
After fifty years of freedom 70 per cent of them have some education in books. 

This is an inspiring record ; it is a record of which to be proud, but as great as has 
been the achievements of the past the work before us for the future will challenge our 
best endeavors of heart and brain, and we must enlist for a struggle which shall test 
whether or not the Negro is to survive or perish. I believe he will survive ; any other 
thought in the light of past accomplishments, with God's aid and guidance, is to me 
unthinkable. EMMETT J. SCOTT. 



MEMORANDUM IN RE: EMMETT J. SCOTT, TUSKEGEE INSTITUTE, ALA. 

The author of this article, Emmett J. Scott, is a former citizen of Texas, having been 
born and reared in Houston. Since 18*97 he has been employed consecutively as secre- 
tary to Dr. Booker T. Washington, the principal of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Insti- 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 11 

tute, Tuskegee, Alabama, and has during that time also been elected by the Board of Trus- 
tees as Executive Secretary of the Institute. He is also secretary of the National Negro 
Business League, and the official secretary of the International Conference on the Negro 
which was organized in April, 1912. 

Of his services to Tuskegee Institute, Dr. Washington has written in his autobiog- 
raphy as follows: "Mr. Scott has served the school with rare fidelity and zeal, and has 
been to the principal not only a loyal assistant in every phase of his manifold and frequent- 
ly trying duties, but has proven a valuable personal friend and counsellor in matters of 
the most delicate nature. * * * Only once or twice in a lifetime are such people discovered." 

Of him, also. Dr. Robert E. Jones, editor of The Southwestern Christian Advocate, 
published in New Orleans, Louisiana, v/rites : "Emmett J. Scott is the pride of Texas, 
an honored son of the whole race. He is a product of Wiley University, Marshall, Texas, 
and this distinguished alumnus of this Texas institution is loved and honored, not only by 
the Alumni of Wiley and the Methodist host of Texas and this Southland, but his friends 
and admirers are legion the country over. He was discovered by Dr. Booker T. Washing- 
ton fourteen years ago, when he was in Houston, the editor of the Texas Freeman, which 
he had founded. Previous to this time Mr Scott had done work upon the white dailies of 
Houston. Mr. Scott is best known as the Executive Secretary of the Tuskegee Institute 
and the strong right hand of Dr. Washington. 

"He enjoys the full confidence of his chief, and because of Mr. Scott's clear thinking, 
devotion to high ideals, his integrity, and his high moral character, he has not only 
been able to serve Dr. Washington and the great Tuskegee Institute, but he has m.ade a 
place of his own. It was no empty honor when President Taft appointed him one of three 
commissioners to the Republic of Liberia, being the first Negro ever sent abroad on a war- 
ship by our government on a like mission. 

"Emmett J. Scott is a prince, a man of large capacity for work, of great poise, and 
deliberation in a very marked degree. He would be successful in anything that he would 
undertake. He is a member of our great Trinity Church in Houston, Texas, where he is 
held in the highest esteem. He is a prophet with honor in his own home as well as 
abroad." 




THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 




COLORED CARNEGIE LIBRARY. 



The Colored Carnegie Library was the outgr 
ized in 1907 by Professor E. O. Smith. The schoo 
High School building for three years, during whic 
maintenance. The association collected several h 
tlie colored people, witli which a lot was purchase 
appropriated $1.5,000 for a building, on condition th 
upkeep. The library has l&OO readers and furnish 
school system. It has 3500 books. The trustees at 
names appear on the cornerstone, are E. O. Smith 
W. L. D. Johnson, R. G. Lockett. L. H. Spivey, W. E 
compose the present board of directors: E. O. Sm 
Wilson, L. H. Spivey, R. G. Lockett, W. L. D. Joh 
-Vliss Bessie B. Osborne. 



owth of the Library Association, which was organ- 
1 board allowed the use of a room in the Colored 
h time the City of Houston appropriated $500 for its 
undreds of volumes and raised $1500 in money among 
d for a permanent site. In 1910 Mr. Andrew Carnegie 
at the city contribute 10 per cent annually for its 
es an excellent supplement to Houston's splendid 
the time the building was dedicated and whose 
, pres.; J. B. Bell, treas. ; John M. Adkins, sec; 
. Miller, Andy Parr, N. Q. Henderson. The following 
ith, pres.; John Adkins. sec; J. B. Bell, treas.; Sam 
nson, Andy Parr and N. Q. Henderson. Librarian, 




IN INIU'STHI.AL I'dLLKtiK 



HOUSTON COLLEGE SETTLEMENT ASSOCIATION. 



Four years ago this organization was effecte 
President F. W. Gross. At first the people were a 1 
tlie purpose was explained to the satisfaction of th 
.\t first the work was done by the teachers of the s 
school was able to send out one of its teachers to 
work became well established and a definite part of t 

The following have been accomplished; A r 
been made; gardens have been planted; better h 
both night and day have been abated; a better und 
of clean street, alleys, yards and houses have bee 



d through a call of the people around the college by 
ittle suspicious, but decided to come and see. When 
ose present, no further trouble was experienced, 
chool in a very casual way, but two years ago the 
r a part of her time almost daily, and at once the 
he extension service of the college, 
eligious survey, a social and hygienic survey have 
ousing and living are everywhere in evidence; noises 
erstanding about rearing children and the purpose 
n clearly set forth. 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



13 



b: 



Z\3 



(Eolorpft ^rliuolB of I|ou0ton 



b: 



Bv PROF K. O. SMITH 



IB 




In discussing a subject like this, one is bewildered by the 
mass of material — the thousand things which might properly 
enter into it. One might occupy almost the entire space allotted 
with facts and figures, table after table of statistics might be 
added, from each one of which many profitable deductions 
could be made. But in this article we shall attempt to tell as 
plainly and as simply as we can the story of what is being 
accomplished in the City of Houston by and for the colored 
people, resorting to statistics only when these are necessary for 
convincing evidence or for brevity, or both. 

The educational problem in the entire South is a very com- 
plicated one and a very expensive one. In organization and 
effectiveness Houston has much that is worthy of emulation. 
The system of government in vogue was not originated in 
Houston, but the effective manner in which it has been worked 
out in all of its various departments almost entitles it to be 
known as the Houston Idea of Organization. This idea, in 
brief, is simply to select the best available man for a given line 
of work ; hold him strictly responsible for its performance ; give him authority to get it 
done in the most effective way. If he proves either unwilling or unable to do the work, 
put some one else in his place. 

In the general government only the Mayor and four Commissioners are elected by the 
people. Upon these rests the whole responsibility of the city. These gentlemen divide the 
work among themselves. One man has charge of the finances of the city, another is in 
charge of the streets, another controls the police and fire departments, while still another 
looks after the water, light and health departments. 

The Commissioners have power to appoint sub-officials who are responsible directly 
to themselves. For instance, the chief of police, the city attorney, the fire chief and oth- 
ers, each of whom employs the same general plan. The chief of police .selects his officers, 
who are directly responsible to him. The same is true of other departments. 

Pursuing this idea still further, the Commissioners appoint a School Board, which is 
clothed with absolute authority in school matters. The School Board accomplishes its work 
by means of several standing committees, as (1) Committee on Teachers ; (2) Textbooks 
and Courses of Study; (3) Buildings, Furniture and Supplies; (4) Finance; (5) Rules, 
Grievances and Complaints. Each committee has authority to act and is held strictly 
accountable for its work. The Superintendent is elected by the Board and like other heads 
of departments, he has liberty, responsibility and authority. His sub-officers are the prin- 
cipals of the various schools and they are responsible to him foi- the management of the 
schools. 

The colored schools, like the other .schools, may be likened to the spokes of a wheel. 
Each is separate and apart but all are members of a great system. It is difficult to discuss 
them apart from the system because they are so closely interwoven with the schools in 
general. The same general course of study which is followed in the white schools obtains in 



14 THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 

the colored schools. The same supervisors who outline the work in the schools for white 
children outline it also for the colored schools ; in fact, identical work is demanded in the 
white and colored schools. In the essentials — instruction, discipline and co-operation — 
there is no difference. In the matter of reports the same requirements exist for the white 
and colored schools. A close study of these will reveal the fact that the only difference 
between the white and colored schools in general is that the white schools have expanded 
certain phases of the work further and have added some courses leading to aesthetic 
development which the colored schools do not have, and secondly, that the equip- 
ment, including buildings, grounds, etc., and in fact the entire mechanical outfit 
employed in the white schools is much more expensive than in the colored schools. Aside 
from this the two are identical. 

SCHOLASTIC POPULATION. 

The population of Houston, according to the census of 1910, was 78,800, but accord- 
ing to the city directory of 1914 it was 129,570. Of this number the scholastic popula- 
tion was 24,064, of which 6,729 were colored and 17,335 were white. The net enrollment, 
white and colored, for the year of 1913-14 was 16,604, of which 11,518 were white and 
5,086 were colored. To house these 5,086 colored children twelve different centers were 
made use of and designated Colored High School, Langston School, Luckie School, Doug- 
lass School, Gregory School, Booker T. Washin^on School, Harper School, Bruce School, 
Dunbar School, Glen Cove School, Green Pond School and Bray's Bayou School. 

CAPACITY AND COST. 

These schools contain 112 rooms and 3,870 seats. The properties on which they are 
situated are valued at $53,000 and the buildings at $81,800. In addition to this the furni- 
ture and fixtures are valued at $15,825, making an entire valuation of $150,625. 

It is the custom in Houston to name the school buildings after illustrious and patri- 
otic men of our country and so, among the white schools, we find such names as "Longfel- 
low," "Crockett," "Sherman" and "Travis." The colored schools likewise have selected 
names that honor the memory of distinguished sons of Ham. A little of this history of 
those whose names have been thus selected is surely not out of place. 

DOUGLASS SCHOOL. 

The Douglass School, which has an enrollment of 850, is our largest ward school. It 
was named after the great Frederick Douglass, a man who, though born in slav- 
ery, achieved fame as a statesman and an orator. He is said to have possessed the most 
melodious voice of any of the great orators which our country has produced. Every one 
knows how effectively he used it in arousing the country against slavery and in securing 
the assistance of such men as Henry Ward Beecher, William Lloyd Garrison and Abraham 
Lincoln. 

LANGSTON SCHOOL. 

The Langston School was named in honor of John M. Langston who was the first 
colored man to graduate from Oberlin College and who spent a long, useful life, occupying 
many positions of honor and trust with the greatest satisfaction. 

BRUCE SCHOOL. 

The Bruce School derived its name from Blanch K. Bruce of Mississippi, who for 
four or five times was appointed Register of the United States Treasury, and whose sig- 
nature appears on more bills of various denominations, perhaps, than any other man. 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 15 

DUNBAR SCHOOL. 

The Dunbar School was named for Paul Lawrence Dunbar, the greatest of colored 
poets. Mr. Wni. Dean llowells said of him that he "introduced a new phase into Amer- 
ican literature." 

HARPER SCHOOL. 

The Harper School is the only one of the colored schools named for a woman. It was 
so called in memory of Frances Harper, a writer of no small note, whose verses and songs 
have touched the hearts of thousands. 

BOOKER T. WASHINGTON SCHOOL. 

The Booker T. Washington School is peculiar in that it is the only school in the entire 
city which was named for a living man. But so great is the admiration in which Booker 
T. Washington, the wizard of Tuskegee, is held, that when his name was proposed to the 
School Board it was adopted without thought of its effect upon custom. 

LUCKIE SCHOOL. 

The Luckie School was named after Prof. Chas. Luckie, who was for many years a 
teacher at Prairie View College, sacrificing his very life for the young men and women of 
his race. 

With the exception of the High School and the Gregory School the other schools are 
mostly schools which have been taken in by the expansion of the city and have not yet been 
dedicated to the memory of illustrious heroes. 

To teach the 5,086 colored children, exactly one hundred colored teachers were 
employed. A large majority of these were graduates of the Prairie View Normal and 
Industrial School, which is supported by the State. There were, however, several from 
the best schools and universities open to colored people. Among the schools outside the 
State, Fisk University at Nashville, Tenn., had the largest representation. Other schools 
were Atlanta University, situated at Atlanta, Ga. ; Wilberforce University, in Ohio ; 
Calabar College, in the West Indies ; New Orleans University, Leland University, Tuske- 
gee University, Wiley University, Bishop College, Mississippi State Normal, Paul Quinn 
College. Alcorn College, Mary Allen Seminary, Portland High School, Staten (N. Y.) High 
School, Galveston High School and Houston High School. An alphabetical list of all the 
teachers is attached hereto. 

SALARIES. 

The salaries paid colored teachers in Houston are on the whole not so high as are paid 
by other cities of the same class. The schedule follows: 

Supernumerary — 

First year, per month $ 15.00 

Second year, per month 20.00 

Primary and Intermediate — 

First year, per month $ 40.00 

Second year, per month 45.00 

Third year, per month 50.00 

Fourth year, per month 55.00 

Fifth year, per month 60.00 

Sixth year, per month 65.00 

Seventh year, per month 70.00 



16 THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 

Principals of Elementary Schools — 

Two-room buildings $ 70.00 

Four-room buildings 80.00 

Six-room buildings 90.00 

Each room over six 2.00 

High School- 
Principals $133.3;J 
Vice-Principals 85.00 
Assistants 80.00 

NIGHT SCHOOL. 

The Houston plan of school government is decidedly democratic. It believes that it 
is impossible to make good men and women of all of the boys and girls, but it believes 
that it is the duty of the schools to give every person who desires to improve his condition 
an equal opportunity. Because a man or boy is compelled to labor all day to make a liv- 
ing is no reason why the State should fail to provide an opportunity for his mental devel- 
opment, if any one is to be shown any special assistance it should be the man who after 
a hard day's digging in ditches or elsewhere is willing to spend an hour or two after 
night digging out the precious gems of knowledge. The night schools for colored people 
were begun in 1911-12 and to give an idea of what was accomplished that first year, 1 
shall quote from the Superintendent's annual report (page 25) : "The Board last year 
established for the first time a night school for Negroes. It was in the Bruce School in 
the Fifth Ward, with E. 0. Smith as principal. Over one hundred Negroes attended reg- 
ularly, and the results were such as to fully justify the school. Among those attending 
was one Negro 72 years old, who worked all day in the cotton seed oil mill, and attended 
school three nights out of the week. What do you suppose was his object in attending 
school? He said that he came because he 'wanted to learn to read the Bible.' In his early 
days he had not had the opportunity of learning to read and write, and, although he had 
been fond of the Bible, he had known it only by hearing it read. It is gratifying to be able 
to record that during one term of the night school he made such progress as to enable him, 
with more or less difi'iculty, to read the book of his choice and of his affection. While 
he was the oldest person enrolled in our night schools, his case is simply typical of the 
work that our night schools are doing in dozens of instances." The number of night 
schools has now grown to four and the enrollment increased from one hundred to six 
hundred and sixty-four. 

Of course, the literary work is confined to the essentials, reading, writing and arith- 
metic, but it is considered quite as essential to know how to sew, to cook and do manual 
work as to improve one's self mentally, so the Board has provided an opportunity to learn 
these things also. The same teachers who have charge of these departments during the 
day conduct the classes at night. It is gratilying to record that many cooks and house 
servants have embraced this opportunity as a means of rendering themselves more effi- 
cient in their daily tasks. Many women who knew little or nothing of sewing have 
learned to do practically all of the plain .sewing for their families and many of the men 
and boys who would otherwise have been awkward with tools have learned to make many 
useful pieces of mission furniture and saved much in the way of carpenter's bills by 
doing themselves much of the ordinary building needed around their homes. 

During the present year there has been a new feature introduced into the colored 
schools. A class was trained in Civil Service work. As is well known, many young col- 
ored men find employment in this field. To enable them to compete successfully the most 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 17 

efficient drill possible was given them by one experienced in such matters. Thus Houston 
is doing whatever seems wisest and best in encouraging those who are anxious to make 
themselves better citizens. 

LIBRARY. 

Another very important adjunct to the public schools is the public library. It not 
only aids the schools in doing this work efficiently, but it takes up the work where they 
leave off and continues it on through life. For many years it has been the policy of the 
Houston schools to have an annual library day. No compulsion is used. Envelopes are 
given each child in school with the request that he return it with or without a contribu- 
tion. In this way no child is humiliated since no child knows whether the envelope con- 
tains money or not. By this means a number of books have been bought in sets of 40 
each, which are kept at the public library and loaned to the various schools to be used as 
supplementary work. Hou.ston is the only city in the South that has a Carnegie library 
for colored people and they are rightly proud of it. It is situated near the High School, 
in the very heart of the densest settlement of colored people. 

INSTITUTES. 

Not the least of the features of the schools of Houston is the monthly institute. The 
work done is strictly profe.ssional. Educational principles are studied and discussed. The 
time is divided into two periods of one hour ecah. During one hour some educator of 
note is employed to deliver a lecture and during the other the time is given over to the 
study of a text book. Among those who have lectured before the institute have been Dr. 
Bliss Perry of Harvard, Dr. A. Caswell Ellis of the University of Texas, Dr. Booker T. 
Washington of Tuskegee, E. L. Blackshear of Prairie View, Dr. W. S. Sutton of the Uni- 
versity of Texas, Dr. G. A. Shands of Southwestern University, Dr. A. E. Winship of 
Boston, Dr. Edward Vance Cook, Dr. Henry S. Curtis, Mr. J. A. Puffer and other men 
of international reputation. To spend a term of years as a teacher in Houston is equiva- 
lent to spending the time in the average normal school as will be evident upon consider- 
ing the list of books which teachers have been required to use in their institutes. Among 
them are: Painter's History of Education, James' Psychology, Spencer's Education. 
Everyday Problems in Teaching, by Horn; How to Study and How to Teach Children to 
Study, by McMurray ; School Room Essentials, by P. W. Horn ; All the Children of All the 
People, by Dr. O'Shea ; The Boy Problem, by Forbush ; The Recitation, by McMurray; 
The Principles of Education, by Thorndyke ; The Best Things in Our Schools, by Horn, 
and like works. In addition to this there is held each month a grade meeting where all 
the teachers having the same grades assemble and under the leadership of a person of 
experience, discuss the best methods of putting into practice the educational principles 
which are discussed in the institutes. Thus it is seen that two hours each month are 
devoted to the study of educational principles and one hour to the use of devices. Young 
teachers find these meetings invaluable and all teachers find them interesting and instruc- 
tive. 

MOTHERS' CLUBS. 

Still another feature of which the Houston schools are proud is the system of Moth- 
ers' Clubs which are connected with the various .schools. The duties of the Mothers' Clubs 
may be summarized as five. P^ir.st: It must be busied with some definite, specific under- 
taking. Second': It must work in co-operation with the regular school authorities. Third : 
Its work should be partly utilitarian and partly cultural. In i)ther words, the mothers 



18 THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 

should attempt to accomplish something definite for the good of the schools and also some- 
thing of a cultural nature for themselves. Fourth : The work for the schools should sup- 
plement the work of the Board. It should be along some line that the School Board is not 
likely to undertake, or else should go a little further than the Board is likely to go. A 
Mothers' Club should not undertake to do what the School Board could, should and prob- 
ably would do. Fifth: Its work should be an undertaking not so large as to be beyond 
the reasonable expectation that the organization will be likely to carry it through. Work 
of this kind among the colored people is new and difficult. The altruistic spirit has not, 
as yet, asserted itself to any marked extent and yet the Superintendent asserts that he 
considers them the most valuable of all the agencies which are lending a helping hand to 
our schools. 

Since their organization six years ago they have raised and expended for the benefit 
of the colored schools the sum of $3,989.15. This money was spent in various ways. Much 
of it was spent in furnishing the different schools with pianos so that the children might 
march in and out of the buildings to the sound of good music. At one building the moth- 
ers employed a sewing teacher. At another they bought a machine and sewing tables. 
Elsewhere they furnished swings and outdoor gymnasia, phonographs and slides have 
been supplied, a cistern built and sanitary lunches furnished the children at nominal cost. 
Book cases have been procured where they have been needed. In some sections it has been 
customary to grade the yards and in others attention has been given to the beautifica- 
tion of the school grounds. So that to the extent that the clubs have co-operated with the 
school authorities, supplementing and expanding the work being done, to that extent they 
are a success. It is true that, like the tides, "they ebb and flow," but, also, "like the brook, 
they go on forever," doing the little things which are necessary but which would often be 
impossible except for such an agency. 

FOUR STORIES. 

There is in our country today a wide difference of opinion in regard to the education 
of the Negro. There are advocates of this kind of training and defenders of another kind 
and those who believe in all kinds and those who believe in none at all. Many of these 
people are absolutely conscientious. Their opinion is simply an opinion, however, and 
proves nothing one way or another. After all there is but one way to judge such things 
without malice and that is to appreciate or reject these in accordance with their fruit. 
"By their fruits ye shall know them." 

Four little stories told by the Superintendent illustrate in a very vital way what the 
colored schools are doing for their people and for the community in general : 

FIRST STORY. 

Readers of our local papers are familiar with the name of Nicodemus — or used to be. 
He was not exactly a headliner but his name was formerly good for a few inches of space 
in the police columns almost any day. By the time he was twelve years old he was a pro- 
fessional jail bird. He was a petty thief, housebreaker and general juvenile offender. 
Incidently he did not know A from B, he was too young to .send to the penitentiary and 
too bad to leave out of it. Our juvenile court law had gone just far enough to make it 
impossible to do anything with him. He had been arrested repeatedly, jailed and turned 
loose again. The officers were hopefully awaiting the time when he would be old enough 
to send to the penitentiary. 

While matters were in this condition it came about one day that the teachers of Booker 
T. Washington School, of which E. 0. Smith is principal, became interested in Nicodemus. 
They asked him why he did not go to school. He told them that he had once tried to enter 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 19 

one of our colored schools and had been refused admittance on account of his general 
record as an undesirable. They told him that the Booker T. Washington School would 
be glad to take him — and to keep him so long as he behaved himself. Nicodemus decided 
that the experiment might be worth trying, at any rate he did not see how it could make 
matters much worse with him. The result was that he secured a primer and entered the 
low first grade along with the little tots who were just .starting. They knew as much as 
he did — about books at any rate. He not only started but he stuck. It caused a mild sen- 
sation among colored circles when it was learned that Nicodemus had been in school a 
month and had not burned the school house dawn or stolen it. The man for whom he did 
odd jobs in return for which he was given a place to sleep, was one of the first to notice the 
change and to comment upon it. The Superintendent heard of it and began to take a little 
friendly interest in Nicodemus. He sent word that when the boy could read every lesson 
in the book he would give him another. That book was soon called for and was delivered 
with the word that when this was finished there would be another one sent. Soon after 
the Superintendent heard him read the last lesson in this book and gave him another 
with the inscription "To Nicodemus as a Reward for Good Conduct." This inscription 
seemed to please Nicodemus, though the idea was rather a novel one to him. It was, 
probably, the first time he had been told that his conduct was good. He spoke of these 
books as "The ones the boss man gave me." When Nicodemus was forced, on account of 
sickness, to be absent a day from school he anxiously sent word as to the cause lest his 
teacher might think he had gone back to his old ways. In one year's time he had trans- 
formed from an incorrigible thief and jail bird to an industrious, hard working Negro 
boy. One excellent feature is that he is not proud of his past record. He has even dug 
up another name, which he .says is his right name. He refuses to be known any longer as 
Nicodemus. I do not give his new nam.e, because it is not right that he should be embar- 
rassed by his past. I predict that he will make a useful, intelligent, industrious man of his 
race. He may make another Booker T. Washington or E. L. Blackshear. If our colored 
schools can work such changes with boys like Nicodemus, they are worth all we are pay- 
ing for them — and more. 

STORY TWO. 

This is the story of Lettie Smith. I do not know that I can tell it better than by quoting 
the exact words of a personal letter which I received last winter from a Houston lady of 
culture and refinement: "I think that as Superintendent of the Houston schools you 
would perhaps be interested if I were to tell you some of the things I have noticed about 
Lettie Smith, the little colored girl who now works for me as nurse and house girl. She 
is a pupil of the high third grade at Hollywood School (of which Mabel Wesley is prin- 
cipal). 

"My attention was first called to her work by the respectful manner in which she 
spoke of her teacher and her childish longing for school. Next, I found her recognizing 
the portraits of Longfellow, Whittier and other American poets, which she saw on the 
walls of our library. She would tell little stories of their childhood, which she said that 
she had read at school. She noticed .some raffia mats that I have, and readily told how 
and of what they were made. She often sings little patriotic songs to the baby and tries 
to teach her rhymes and memory gems. She usually gets good grades on her report card 
and she says that she can't bear to hear children mouth over their reading. 

"She has evidently had a good, earnest, sensible teacher. It is remarkable to me that 
the public .schools are doing so well for the colored children — and for the white children, 
too, for that matter. I think that Lettie compares at least fairly well in advancement with 
the average white child of her age and grade." 



20 THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 

The Superintendent remarks that "the fact that an educated Houston woman, a house 
keeper and the wife of one of Houston's good citizens, thought it worth while to write the 
Superintendent this letter, speaks well not only for her own kind-heartedness and appre- 
ciation, but also for the work our colored schools are doing." 

STORY THREE. 

This is a very short story. One day a Houston lady met the Superintendent on the 
street and said to him : "I want to speak a good word for your Langston Colored School. 
I have a cook who has been trained in the Domestic Science department of that school and 
she is the neatest, most cleanly, most economical cook I have ever had, and also one of the 
best cooks. If the Langston can train up some more like her, it will be doing a wonderful 
service not only for the Negroes, but also for the white people of the city." 

STORY FOUR. 

This also will be told in briefest outline. It is about one of our colored teachers who 
told me that she expected to raise one hundred dollars to help establish some foi'm of 
industrial work at her building. The climax of the story is, that after continued effort 
she raised it. She did so by a number of concerts, musical entertainments, etc., gotten up 
chiefly with the help of the children, given for an admittance fee of ten cents. It takes 
quite a time to raise a hundred dollars in ten cent sums, but this Negro woman accom- 
plished it. It must have been a case of heaven helps those who help themselves. She 
remarked to me last year that if the School Board would next year give her enough equip- 
ments to teach laundry work, she would be glad to teach it. I most heartily recommend 
that the equipment be provided. 

I have related these stories just as the Superintendent told them, and I believe they 
illustrate more vividly than could be shown otherwise the industry, sacrifice and devotion 
which the Negro teacher is giving to the schools. We could continue stories indefinitely of 
this kind. We could tell how the teacher of Latin out of her hard-earned savings spent a 
year in Rome that she might be better prepared to do her work. Several of the teachers 
do research work during the summer vacation. The colored schools are doing a wonderful 
work for the community. Some years ago when a large area of the city was destroyed by 
fire, a colored school was opened for the use of the sufferers and colored teachers employed 
themselves in securing food and clothing for the needy. 

From the foregoing we see clearly that all the bodies mentioned are parts of the com- 
munity. It is for the community that the schools exist and the more ways they find of 
serving the community the greater is their value. The colored schools are serving the 
community in many ways, but as the Superintendent says, if they did naught but reclaim 
and develop such characters as Nicodemus "they would justify all of the money that is 
spent upon them — and more." 




THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 21 



Progress of Negro Churches In Houston Since 
Emancipation or the Civil War 

By Rev. W . H. l>oKaii. District Superintendent of the Houston District. 
Texas Conference. iMethodist Episcopal Church. 



One of the speakers of "The Flying Squadron" who visited Houston during a temper- 
ance rally in this city some time sinco, said among other things : "Five things go to make 
up civilization. They are the home, the church, the school, the printing press and 
political life." 

Properly understood and appreciated by the masses, the church should by the very 
nature of things permeate the school, sanctify the printing press and purify political life. 
The home and the church are very close of kin, having been associated in the mission of 
race uplift since the days of faithful Abraham. 

The Negro race is characteristically religious, the religious element standing out in 
bold relief not only with the native bush man in Africa, but the slaves in their abject 
ignorance on their master's plantation showed it in a marked degree. 

Some good intentioned people believe that the Negroes on the plantations observed 
certain forms of worship because it was one of the exactions of masters and overseers ; 
but that belief is not well founded, for there were many masters and overseers who tried 
to suppress the religious emotions of their slaves, but all to no purpose, for the Negroes on 
such plantations almost invariably disregarded such efforts at suppressing their pent-up 
spiritual feelings and would steal away by night and present their petitions to the unseen 
Spirit and would do so at the peril of their lives in some instances. 

The Negroes in the City of Houston have made wonderful progress in religious devel- 
opment, if the number of members, in church and Sunday School, church property owned 
and church sittings are to be reckoned as factors in arriving at a fair estimate of the 
standing of the several denominations that have representation here. 

The Baptist and Methodist were the only denominations that had members among 
the Negroes in Houston at the close of the Civil war. Of those two denominations there 
were only two societies, they merging from connection with the white members of those 
two persuasions into independent churches of free men, being today the two leading 
churches among Negroes in Houston, and are known far and wide as the Antioch Bap- 
tist Church and the Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church. The Trinity Church site is the 
most valuable piece of real estate owned by any denomination or society in the State, if 
not in the entire South, among Negroes. 

From this small beginning of Negro chui'ches fifty years ago, there are more than 
twenty Negro Baptist churches in the city with fully ten thousand members. There are 
about three thousand five hundred Methodists, with sixteen meeting houses in the city, 
including three branches of the Methodist family. The Baptists and Methodists had for 
their leaders and pastors in the beginning of freedom in 1865 two powerful men in the 
persons of Revs. Sandy Parker and Elias Dibble. 

These two remarkable characters, having had training by their white pastors as 
expounders of the Word of God in the tryr.ig days of slavery, used that training to good 
account, serving as mediums between the hot heads of both races, teaching their people to 
seek the friendship and good will of their white neighbors. 

The Methodists, led by their war-time pastor, Elias Dibble, being allowed to remove 
their little chapel from the site of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, South, whicn 



22 THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 

they had erected in ante-bellum days in the rear of the white church, on Texas Avenue 
between Travis and Milam Streets, bought a whole block of ground, retaining half of it 
for church purposes and sold the other half to members of the church. The fact that Bro. 
Dibble sought to settle members around the church within their own homesteads shows he 
was a man of vision and the further fact that he retained one-half of the block for church 
purposes shows he read the future correctly ; the act, looked at from any angle, shows 
that he saw future greatness for Houston Methodism. From that small beginning with 
Trinity as the only Methodist Church in the city, nine other chapels and churches are 
now in existence. Trinity being the mother, making ten in all. Trinity is not only the 
mother of the other Methodist Episcopal churches in the city, but she is the forerunner of 
the sister Methodist churches, the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the Colored 
Methodist Episcopal Church, the former numbering 1,500 members with seven church 
houses and the latter with one meeting house and two or three hundred members. It was 
easier for these latter churches to build in Houston by reason of the pioneer work done by 
Trinity in giving emphasis to Methodist doctrine, creating a deep sentiment in the com- 
munity, conducive to the growth ot Methodism irrespective of the divisions in the family 
name. Father Dibble and those associated with him in working out the problems imme- 
diately concerning the religious and moral elevation of the free Negroes in Houston did 
not stop at securing a church home, but they took the lead in the purchase of the Eman- 
cipation Park, the Olive Wood Cemetery and the organization of a Mutual Benevolent 
Society. The ministry in those days was not a one-sided ministry, but an all-round min- 
istry, serving the people in every way possible, looking toward the formation of a better 
citizenship. 

Rev. Sandy Parker led his people from what used to be called Baptist Hill on Rusk 
Street to the present site of Antioch Church on Robin Street between Frederick and 
Shaw, and was succeeded by the late Rev. J. Yates, who guided the church with a master- 
ful hand, erecting possibly the first brick meeting house owned by the Negro race in the 
State of Texas. t 

In the early nineties that church edifice was remodeled, the architect and builder 
being Robt. Jones, who is still living. In 1909 that church underwent a complete renova- 
tion, being greatly enlarged and beautified, in its present form being one of the most sub- 
stantial and commodious church edifices in the entire South owned by Negroes. 

That work was done under the pastorate of Dr. F. L. Lights, the present pastor, who 
entered upon the 22nd year's service during the month of March, 1915. That church 
occupies a unique place in race history, in that it has had but three pastors in 50 years. 

Father Yates established Houston College with the assistance of two noble Home Mis- 
sionary workers in the persons of Misses Peck and Dysart, which institution is accom- 
plishing a great work under that firm and resolute educator, Prof. F. W. Gross, A. M. 

The African Methodi-st Episcopal Church is fast forging to the front; having begun 
its work in this city in the early seventies, its interests have been looked after by an effi- 
cient band of faithful pastors. Wesley Chapel, its principal church, is an aggressive or- 
ganization. 

The Colored MethodLst Episcopal Church was later still in coming into the city, but 
since its coming in the middle eighties it has one very good church and a healthy mission 
and is destined to play an important part in the racial uplift and religious welfare of the 
citizens of Houston. 

About ten years ago the Congregational Church established a church here among our 
people and that denomination has a neat little church edifice, a growing membership, an 
eflFicient pastor and is an indispensable factor in the religious and race life of our city. 

The Church of God, another organization of recent origin about which the writer 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 23 

knows little, has a place, no doubt, and will work in unison with the other churches of the 
city. "And John answered and said. Master, we saw one casting out devils in Thy name, 
and we forbade him, because he followeth not with us. And Jesus said unto him. Forbid 
him not: for he that is not against us is fo/ us." 

As we look back over the past many notable achievements have been accomplished 
by the churches, in the erection of larger and better church houses, the increase of mem- 
bers in church and Sunday School, being true as it relates to the masses of the people, to 
say nothing of the reformation in many individual lives. But the work of the church 
organization for the years that lie immediately before us will require not only an efficient 
ministry, but a much more active, aggressive and liberal membership. 

The day for the unworthy preacher will not come as long as laymen are tolerant of 
men as pastors whom they know to be unworthy of support. Instead of the frequent rally, 
including the begging lists put into the hands of women and girls to run down the men of 
the community to get money to run the cluirch of tomorrow, the members of the various 
churches will have to learn the beauty of giving out of their earnings to support churches 
and preachers. 

No beggar of any age, not an invalid, has ever commanded the respect of industrious 
people, nor will the Negro Church of tomorrow command the respect of honest people, 
until it proves beyond a shadow of doubt that circumstances force it to call on the public 
after exhausting every reasonable effort to discharge its own financial obligations. 

The church of tomorrow will be expected to stimulate a wholesome, moral sentiment 
not by placing the bars so high that the reprobate and the sinner need not apply for 
iriembership, but by maintaining such high moral grounds within the membership that the 
spiritual atmosphere may be like a running stream of water, purifying itself as it flows 
and cleansing those who may by faith seek healing in its waters. "And everything shall 
live whither the river cometh." 

The business of the church is to save men. It does not just exist to give the pa.stor 
a living, but that through the instrumentality of the pastor and the members, the unregen- 
erate may find salvation, the sin-sick, healing to their souls. 

Efficiency is the watchword in every calling and avocation of life, more especially in 
the Church of Jesus Christ. Not only is there great need for efficient pastors, but for 
stewards and deacons, trustees and members. It is no encouragement to an efficient, 
clean minister to devote himself to such preparation through the week and by the aid of 
the Holy Spirit the proper use of booivs, tne study of men as he comes in contact with them, 
to give time and energy for necessary preparation to be told after the sermon, that he 
gave a fine lecture. To properly appreciate the efforts of the consecrated minister, the 
pew must keep abreast of the times. 

How many of our laymen read religious books or newspapers? I make bold the 
assertion that many of our laymen who subscribe for the denominational papers never 
unwrap them, much less read them. It requires an effort to adopt the habit of reading 
good books and papers. Oh! For a prepared ministry and a prepared layity! 

One would have to be exceedingly dull not to rejoice at the victories won hy the 
churches of Houston for the past fifty years, but if the fathers accomplished so much in 
their day without school advantages, v.ithout the higher ideals of life in the home, what 
ought their sons and successors accomplish with these helps? 

The church of tomorrow will have to erect its edifices so as to furnish departments 
for every phase of innocent amusement, social centers, etc., so as to hold the young 
people and train them in works of mercy and help. "Offer unto God thank.sgiving ; and 
pay thy vows unto the Most High." The church of tomorrow, if she avails herself of the 
opportunity which lies within her gra^p, may inscribe upon her banner this motto: "Out 
of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined." 



24 THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



Brief Sketch of Houston Baptists 



B^' F. L. LIGHTS. D. D. 



I am called upon to give the history of the Baptists of the City of Houston. History 
is an account of that which is known to have occurred, a record of the past and a narra- 
tive of events. 

This historical sketch is a narrative of the development and growth of the Baptists 
of the City of Houston from its beginning to the present. 

Just after the war a great religious wave of re.ioicing and the shout of liallelu.jah 
went up from the hearts of thousands of our people. They assembled, but not in an organ- 
ized form, merely in mass meeting, and preached and prayed and sang until January 1st, 
1866 ; that is to say from the 19th of June, 1865, until January 1st, 1866, they were pre- 
paring to organize the first colored Baptist Church, which was organized by Rev. Crane, 
white minister, in the white Baptist Church with twelve members and on the same day 
seven others were united by baptism. 

They worshiped in a white Baptist church a few weeks and then worshiped in the Ger- 
man Baptist Church on McKinney Street a short while. The Germans desired to repair the 
house, therefore they were compelled to find other quarters. However, during the time 
they worshiped in the white church Rev. J. B. Lynk (white) was the pastor. About this 
time Rev. I. S. Campbell, the first missionary appointed by the Home Missionary Society 
for the colored people of Texas, made his appearance in the city. The Baptists were again 
out of doors and like sheep without a shepherd. He preached his first sermon on the 
first Sunday in August, 1866. I. S. Campbell and J. J. Rhyenhart organized the Antioch 
Baptist Church. 

Thence followed the Mt. Zion Baptist Church in the Second Ward, known as Frost 
Town, and other Baptist churches began to spring up. The Lincoln Baptist A.ssociation 
was organized in the Antioch Baptist Church in 1867. God's divine presence rested on the 
c?iurches, led by Brothers Sandy Parker, Rev. J. Yates, Rev. H. Stewart, Dr. H. Watts, 
G. W. Booker and the host of other ministers. Soon there were churches in all sections 
of the city. A great awakening followed in 1870, 1871 and 1872. Hundreds believed and 
were baptized, magnificent houses of worship were built by the churches and property 
began to increase in value, and in 1880 the Woman's Missionai'y Society .sent Misses Peck 
and Dysart, who began the teaching of the women and children in the way of the 
Lord, and the work grew and prospered, and some excellent missionary workers were 
developed. They, through the Missionary Society, gave us Houston College, a well-equip- 
ped school for the training of our boys and girls and ministerial students. The school 
began in the fall of 1885 by Rev. J. Yate.s, J, W. Watson, S. B. Sumerville, D. M. Wil- 
liams, Misses F. Dysart and J. L. Peck. Until October, 1894, it was operated in a small 
rented building in the city. September 1, 1894, the foundation of two splendid buildings 
were laid by the untiring eflforts of Misses Dysart, J. L. Peck and the other trustees, Yates 
and Watson. The first principals were Misses Dysart and Peck. It has had the following 
presidents since its organization: Dr. J. H. Garnet, A. R. Griggs, D. D., D. A. Scott, D. 
D., F. W. Bloodsaw and Prof. F. W. Gross. 

The fall session was opened in one of the new buildings, that today is prepared to 
teach the students along business lines, such as carpentry, bricklaying, laundry work, nurs- 
ing, sewing and all domestic science and manual training. From this small beginning we 
have developed to the number of 54 oi-ganized Baptist churches in the City of Houston, 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 25 

with a membership of about ten thousand, beautiful, well-appointed houses of worship, 
property located in some of the best localities of the city. The ministry of the city is 
abreast with the time. Progressive, intelligent and moral leaders worthy of the name. 

The Baptists have the largest membership, numerically, in the city. They are growing 
in intellect and finance. Some of the wealthiest citizens are members of the Baptist 
churches ; a large number of men and women of the professional teachers, lawyers, doc- 
tors, professors, real estators and in every profession and walk of life are members of the 
regular Missionary Baptist Church. May it be said to the credit of our great denomination 
that we are helping to shape the members of our race for their future destiny and to play 
their part in the drama of life and to work for peace, concord and unity among all the 
races and the lifting up of Jesus Christ, Who is the standard of perfection. 

From year to year many of the graduates from our High School are members of the 
Baptist Churches and these go from the High School to the colleges and seminaries to fin- 
ish their education. We have such talented ministers as Drs. W. M. Johnson, N. T. Lane, 
H. B. Southern, E. H. Branch, W. M. Sauls, C. W. Holmes, H. R. Johnson, D. H. Ran- 
kins, R. L. Williams, P. R. McGriflf, A. A. Gordon, A. S. Gordon, G. R. Alfred, J. W. 
Edwards, C. H. Hunt, D. Hawkins, D. H. GriflFin, C. H. Smith, N. P. Pullum and a host of 
others too numerous to mention, all pastoring self-supporting churches. The Baptists of 
Houston have had a great harvest of souls during the year 1915. The greate-st revival ever 
held in Houston was in 1907, when 743 souls were converted in Antioch Baptist Church, 
pastored by the Rev. F. L. Lights, D. D. These converts were united with the various 
churches of the city. Antioch received into her membership by baptism that year more 
than 400. We praise God for Houston College, one of the best equipped schools according 
to its size in the State. Its sanitary conditions are excellent, its discipline and management 
cannot be surpassed. All honor to Professor F. W. Gross and the faculty of Houston 
College. 

We hail with joy the environment of a Christian institution. We al.so have the West- 
ern Star Publishing Company, our Baptist paper, managed by Prof. E. D. Pierson, teach- 
er of the Senior Grammar department in the High School, a Bachelor of Sciences from 
Bishop College ; Drs. L. K. Williams of Ft. Worth, and A. R. Griggs, of Dallas, editors ; Dr. 
F. L. Lights, president of the company. 

The paper is a great moulder of sentiment for the moral uplift of all the people. 

The Baptists own almost a million dollars worth of property in Houston. 

God has done great things for us and will do great things with us in morality, chas- 
tity, virtue, temperance and intellectual development of all the people and keeping ptace, 
harmony and tranquillity among the races. May the good work march on down through 
the centuries, redeeming the times, because the days are evil. 




26 THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



^ INDUSTRIAL LIFE IN THE UNITED STATES A 



In order to get some idea of the industrial and professional advancement made by 
members of the Afro-American race in the United States, it is only necessary to go back 
one-half a century and compare the conditions then and those now. 

Of all races that have come up out of slavery, it can be said without flattery that the 
Afro-American race has shown the greatest advancement along industrial, religious, 
educational and professional lines of any race that has only been emancipated a single 
half century. 

When the Civil war liberated the four millions of people held as slaves in the Southern 
States, they possessed very little of this world's goods and had made small advancement in 
the lines noted above. 

So that the results shown by the United States census of 1910 are the results gained 
in fifty short years, less than two full generations of peoples. 

While the reading of figures and tables ordinarily is of little interest and very boring 
in its nature, still the reading of the dry figures which represent the advancements made 
under hard conditions, of a people who have only been out of bondage for such a short 
time, which reveal beneath and between them many stories of hard struggle and deter- 
mination and many, many battles fought and won under handicap, must be of interest to 
the race which has accomplished this and should be of interest to all peoples in any way 
connected with them. 

The cross of their capture and sale into slavery has been turned into the crown of their 
endeavor as seen today, in their homes, their schools, their churches, their establishments 
and their better conditions of life and livelihood. 

This advancement is shown best by summarizing those owning and those engaged in 
various industrial and professional groups. 

The professional class is represented by a total of nearly 130,000, or, to be exact as 
to the figures given in the 1910 census, 128,303. This is, of course, somewhat less than 
the figures now, and they more nearly approach the first figure given. 

Of the professional class of Afro-Americans in the United States the latest available 
figures give the following: 

Those in public service, that is, government service, 69,471; clergymen, 17,495; 
judges and justices, 19; attorneys, 779; authors, 27; editors, 146; journalists, 25; den- 
tists, 478 ; physicians and surgeons, male, 2,744, female, 333 ; trained nurses, male, 275, 
female, 2,158; musicians, male, 2,769, female, 605; music teachers, male, 490, female, 
1,742; school teachers, male, 6,219, female, 22,528. 

Those engaged in mines and mining represent a group of 62,496 laborers and 79 oper- 
ators, divided as follows : 

Workers. Owners. Workers. Owners. 

Coal mining 40,603 12 Lead, zinc, etc. 5,066 13 

Gold and platinum 303 2 Quarries 10.348 28 

Iron mining 5,376 14 Oil wells 266 6 

Copper mining 282 2 Salt wells 234 4 

The manufacturing interest is represented by a long list of industries and .shows the 
largest group of operators and laborers. In the list is also included the contractors and 
builders. This list totals to 974,918. If to this you add the 1,300,000 who are engaged in 
domestic and laundry service, etc., and the nearlv three million that are engaged in agri- 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 27 

cultural pursuits, and the number not classified you have a total of nearly six millions d 
Afro-Americans engaged in gainful pursuits. 

This is about eighty per cent of those of the race who are in the working age, that 
is, between 10 and 65 years of age. As compai'ed with the white race this is about twice 
as many per thousand engaged in gainful pursuits. 

To give you an idea of the varied industries and the number engaged in them, as 
given by the 1910 census, the following list is given. You will note that this does not 
include the barbers, retail porters, nor cleaners and pressers, etc., in the United States 
who are making their own way. This is indeed a remarkable industrial showing in a 
race that, including babies, children, aged, infirm .'ind all, does not yet reach the ten million 
mark, according to the 1910 census report. 



Workers. 


Ownei 


Fertilizer factories 


7,723 


6 


Paint factories 


246 


2 


Powder factories 


125 


4 


Soap factories 


196 


4 


Other chem. factories 


2,584 


37 


Brick and tile v^orks 


18,817 


32 


Contractors and build- 






ing trades, male 242,387 


2,852 


Female 


45,754 


20 


Glass factories 


2,454 


1 


Lime, cement, etc 


4,486 


22 


Marble and stone 


1,788 


15 


Pottery 


477 


1 


Clothing factories 


10,264 


317 


Hats and gloves 


234 


1 


Shirts, collars, cuffs 


1,094 




Bakeries 


3,448 




Males 




15 


Females 




28 


Butter and cheese 


176 


2 


Candy 


791 


9 


Flour and grist mills . 


2,251 


29 


Slaughter and packing 






houses 


5,178 


4 


Sugar lactories 


840 


1 


Other food factories 


4,o94 


23 


Agricultural Implement 






factories . 


596 


2 


Auto factories 


569 


2 


Blast furnace and steel 




roller mills 


18,222 




Owners 




5 


Foremen 




132 


Manufacturers car and 






R. R. works 


4,425 
6,172 


1 


Iron foundries 


5 


Ship and boat building 


4,347 


7 



1. Workers. Owners. 

Shoe factories 2,950 5 

Tanners 2,272 10 

Box factories 1,601 6 

Furniture factories 4,254 48 

Pianos and organs 262 3 

Saw and planing mills 111,223 219 

Other wood works 8,668 44 

Clock and watch makers 52 8 

Goldsmiths 191 4 

Tin and enamelware 1,299 23 

Other metals 119 1 

Paper mills 1,273 1 

Publishing estab. 5,048 173 

Carpet mills 279 9 

Cotton mills 7,126 1 

Textile mills 645 62 

Broom factories 784 30 

Charcoal and coke 5,454 19 

Cigars and tobacco 25,463 50 

Turpentine distilleries 7,162 24 

Miscellaneous 37,000 205 

Engaged in water trans- 
portation 32,500 33 
Livery -stables 21,000 323 
Street Railways 130,000 

Officials 1,015 

Postmasters 104 

Postmistresses VJ 

Postal clerks 702 

Banks and banking 3,208 

Owners 9 

Cashiers 67 

Insurance business 2,604 

Head officials 100 
Wholesale and retail 

trade 122,000 

Wholesalers 241 



28 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



Workers. 

Wagon and carriage 

building 2,000 

Other iron and steel 

works 5,427 

Harness and leather 421 

Leather cases and belts 97 



Owners. 



Workers. Owners. 



9 

32 

28 
4 



Warehouses and cold 

storage 2,437 

Grain and elevator 670 

Public service not other- 
wise classified 26,250 



13 
5 



I will not stop to call your attention to the many startling and significant features of 
this report, except merely to ask you to read the list carefully and note the facts regarding 
ownership of diflferent industries, factories and businesses which, no doubt, will surprise 
you. 

This list represents the life work and the very life blood of the best of the race. It 
is an epitome of the good and the industriousness of this race so newly introduced to free- 
dom in a land of the free. What has been done in the past can be repeated with greater 
success in the future. The Afro-American race is gradually but surely carving out its 
industrial and economic independence and doing it with the assistance and good will of 
the white race. 




THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 29 

WADE HAMPTON LOGAN 

Wade Hampton Logan, son of Felix and Ann Maborne Logan, is the fourth child of 
a family of eleven children, nine boys and two girls. 

He was born in Paris, Lamar County, Texas, October 20th, 1857. Having first seen 
the light upon the farm, his first service to the world was pitched in that wholesome, help- 
ful, care-free life of a farmer boy. 

His was a happy, self-possessed spirit, and whatever he was called upon to do, he 
entered upon that duty with the determination to do it as well, if not better, than any 
one else, and this has been the winning characteristic of his most remarkable career. 

As the days of his early boyhood were spent in looking after the sheep, cattle and 
horses, he had a chance to study nature in its simplicity, and in studying nature ho got a 
view of the sublime splendor and beauty of nature's God, which vision led up to his conver- 
sion August 16th, 1880, at the age of 23 years, under the preaching of Rev. Taylor Moore. 
He was baptized by the late Rev. Daniel Battle and joined Mt. Zion Methodist Episcopal 
Church. Paris, Texas, where he served faithfully as class leader, exhorter and local 
preacher until called to larger service. 

He is in the strictest sense a self-made man. Long days and nights, as his lean, gaunt 
form cast its shadow, young Logan could be seen with the old familiar Blue Back Speller 
in his hands digging out his alphabet. 

Being passionately fond of books, he devoured every particle of reading matter that 
he was able to muster. And although it was at a time when such a thing as a Negro 
teacher was one of the curiosities, yet the indomitable spirit and determination of this 
seeker after truth, enabled him to overcome all obstacles and take hold of his own boot 
straps and lift himself up and above his environments. 

So anxious was he to know the purposes of God in his own life, and so determined 
was he to have complete satisfaction as to the work of grace in his own soul, he rode 20 
miles to borrow his brother Harrison's Bible and read it through before uniting with 
the church. 

The early struggles of successful men are familiar chapters in the world's history. By 
.some instinct they seek the field in which their abilities will find the sphere of action to 
which they are best adapted. 

In 1881, in answer to the call of God, he came forward and was duly received into 
the Texas Conference, and at the end of his second year, so very promising was his 
career, he was appointed to the pastorate of Trinity Church, Houston, where he .served 
the full term of three years. 

His persistent efforts and unflagging determination to better fit himself for his great 
life work made him a perpetual student, and wherever he was appointed one of the first 
things that he did was to matriculate under some one who was able to teach him and 
continue his studies. 

Hence, at the expiration of eight years after joining the Conference he found himself 
prepared to assume the responsibility of a Presiding Elder, to which exalted po^jition the 
church at this time saw fit to call him. He has been so honored three times, having served 
the Navasota and the Marshall districts. He is now .serving his fourth year as Di-strict 
Superintendent of the Houston District. In 1895 he received the degree of Doctor of 
Divinity from Phylander Smith College, of Little Rock, Ark. 

He has arisen as a mighty force in Texas Methodism and stands high in the councils 



30 THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 

of the church. He has been elected to every General Conference on the first ballot for 
five consecutive quadrenniums, and served for eight years as a member of the Book Com- 
mittee. 

His second call to Trinity came in WOO, and for more than nine years he fed the flock 
of God and led them on to conquest and victory. 

At a cost of $16,000 he erected the present Trinity building with its capacious audi- 
torium and splendid appointments, and retired with the delightful satisfaction of having 
paid every dollar. 

He was called from Trinity to Wesley Church, New Orleans, to meet and combat a 
legal situation there, and after two years of earnest effort he saved to that historic 
church two lots, a hall, and a splendid eight-room parsonage and then returned to his 
beloved Texas Conference, where his brethren have always delighted to honor him. 

As a District Superintendent he has but few equals in the church, and in the Texas 
Conference he has an unparalleled record. He has led in numerous church enterprises for 
Methodism, but soul-winning is his chief passion. 

He is a poor man, although he has held some of the best appointments in the church. 
He is a poor man from choice, for he has never refused an appeal for help or turned a 
deaf ear to the voice of trouble. 

The vilest man who walks the streets can halt his hurried steps and get the price of 
a meal if hungry. He is brother to the men who serve with him. The troubles of any man 
on his district are the troubles of W. H. Logan. 

"Find out how much you owe and I will see what I can do for you," are words which 
have greeted the ears of many a struggling preacher on his district. 

For these years he has been constantly taking upon himself the burdens of other men 
and only for the love of making them happy. He is profoundly religious, but free from 
bigotry. He is, indeed, very human, but he is also very true and genuine. 

His business is as sacred as his religion. 




THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



31 




REV. WADE H. LOGAN, D. D. 
District Superintendent Houston District M. E. Church 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



33 




Trinity M. E. ("Iiiirch .14111 Travis Street. 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



35 




Kev. A. W. Ciirr 



Alvoria Carr 



Mrs. A. W. Carr 



ADOLPHUS WADE CARR 

Adolphus Wade Carr was born in Orange, Orange County, Texas, June 10th, 1869. 
His fatlier died when young Wade was but two years old, leaving five children to be cared 
for by a widowed mother. His mother moved to Galveston when he was four years of age 
and being a devout Christian and a loyal Methodist, she naturally found a church home 
for herself and children, placing them in Wesley Tabernacle Sunday School, Wade being 
among the first scholars of that now famous church. His early training was limited, as 
the school in those days was far behind the splendid system of today, but young Carr 
made the best of the opportunity and laid the foundation for the expansion of what has 
proven in later years to be a very bright mind. He loved books and has been a hard stu- 
dent all his life. Other children would be racing and playing — he would be in some 
.secluded spot poring over Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan, or absorbed in the Bible. 
Early in life he did a most pleasing thing from his saintly mother's viewpoint, being 
converted at 18 years of age and united with the church of his mother's choice, Wesley 
Tabernacle, during the pastorate of Rev. V. M Cole. Being without a father's care and 
feeling deeply an afi'ectionate son's love for a hard worked mother, at the tender age of 
16 years he launched out in business for himself, doing whatever work he could find to 
make an honest living. He rose steadily in the estimation of all, going higher at each 
change, filling at one time a responsible position in the employ of the National Govern- 
ment during the incumbency of the late Norris Wright Cuney as Collector of Customs at 
the port of Galveston. In 1889 he was married to Miss Rachel Ann Willis, of Willis, 
Texas, to which union one sweet girl has been born, the pride of her father and mother. 
He felt called to the work of the Christian ministry early in life, but did not enter its 
arduous ta.sks until 1899, and then as a supply on what was called Red Oak Circuit, in the 
Marshall District, Presiding Elder W. II. Logan appointing him to that work that young 
Carr might have the chance to pursue his studies in Wiley University. He received a sal- 



36 THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 

ary of $125 his first year, the support being so meager that he and his wife chopped cotton 
for 50 cents a day and picked cotton in the fall for 50 cents per hundred. 

He not only put full time in school the years he attended Wiley, but did general read- 
ing of the best books he could secure and in that way built up a splendid vocabulary, which 
enables him now to prepare and preach some great sermons. He has one of the choicest 
libraries possessed by any preacher in our Conference. 

He joined the Texas Annual Conference in December, 1900, held in Marshall, under 
the presidency of Bishop I. W. Joyce, and ever since his progress has been one steady 
march forward. While pastor of Lee Tabernacle, Navasota, he saw no possible way to 
relieve his church of its heavy debt without aid from outside sources. After consultation 
with certain interested members of the Conference in 1907, Bishop William Burt presid- 
ing, he introduced and the Conference adopted a resolution asking the Board of Home 
Missions and Church Extension to donate $1,500 towards liquidating the $3,000. The 
Board undertook the task, meeting the local church half way. Rev. Carr raised the 
greater part of the amount of the debt the last two years of his pastorate, making possi- 
ble the payment of the entire indebtedness by his successor the second year of his suc- 
cessor's incumbency. He built a fine parsonage during his first year at Paris and had 
launched a movement for a great church in Marshall, but before his plans matured for the 
carrying out of this plan an emergency arose in the Conference during 1913, which made 
his appointment to Trinity Church, Houston, imperative, where he is at this writing 
serving very acceptably his second year. 

He is noted for his use of printer's ink in connection with his pastoral work and for 
his sympathetic disposition towards the sick and suffering, not confining by any means 
his ministry of love to the members of his own church or of his denomination. Being in 
the very prime of life and with a laudable ambition his friends will be sadly disappointed 
if he is not heard from in the years that lie before him. He is Secretary of the Conference 
and it is a safe prophecy that greater honors and preferment await him in the future. 




THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



37 




Sloan M. E. Church, Rev. W. H. Jackson. Pastor, 702 Sydnor Street. 





Bo.viiistoii (.'h.ipel M. K. t'hurch. 



Kev. J. W. Gilder. 



38 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



t 








gitpi* 



21 5^ ii 24 ZS it 2' f 2 

"ui\r-(j(Bit t\ j. 



i ^^ 1^'^^ 




30 3. • 32 -33^134 35 



A/,.„7'«^-, 



m^ 





•■IhlWS i'Hofo 



1. Hermoii Griggs 

2. Emmerson Norris 

3. W.llic Brooks 

4. Roben French 

5. L. G. Alexander 



6. Vc; 



on Glo 



7. Hermon Glover 

9. Eldr.ageJacl<soi. 

10. John Crowder 

11. Harry Hi lis 

12. Mrs.LiiellaAIIpn 



13. Majorie Wilkcrsofi 

14. Stpliia Montgomery 

15. Nina Smilh 

16. D. C. Slrone 

17. Marnuenle Williams 

18. Arlliur Brusau 



19. Marion Caldwell 

20. Mrs.FlorenceSIediie 

21. Malvina Lauve 

22. Rocel.a Slrona 

23. Rulh Malhews 

24. Eulalia Carringtun 



25. Olhella Watkins 

26. Rosa Bell Carvin 

27. B. T, Brooks 

28. Louise Lights 

29. Valsee Johnson 

30. WilLelmcnia Wesley 



31. Veoleda Davis 

32. Grace Harris 
(3. lona Sims 

34. CynthiaWatkins 

35. Vera Murray 



MRS. PEARL AUGUSTA LIGHTS. 

Mrs. Pearl Augusta Lights, the beloved daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Commodore Reed, was born 
June 17th, 1875, at Houston, Texas. Baptized May, 1887, by Father John Yates of Antioch Baptist Church. 
Married to Dr. P. L. Lights Feb. 11th, 1895. Died Oct. 23rd, 1912. She was a student of Gregory Insti- 
tute, and after finishing her course was tendered a position in the city schools of Houston, which posi- 
tion she filled until she resigned to become the wife of Dr. F. L. Lights. To this union were born five 
girls and two boys. 

Her life was one of charm, grace and sacredness, ever ready to extend love and sympathy to 
all. The radiance of her sweet character was reflected in the home among her little ones, and they 
caught the spirit of the dear mother, early accepting her faith as baptized believers of Antioch Church, 
thus leading their young lives to her Master, her chief and supreme joy, for she often expressed her 
love for Christ as being supreme above all else in this world. This inestimable love for Christ gave the 
incentive to her founding the wish of her life — a nursery for Christ's kingdom. She desired their first 
impression of life should be of the Savior, the beautiful, true and pure, while their hearts were free 
from evil. In the fall of 1910, after prayerful consideration, she decided to open a Daily Bible Kinder- 
garten at the Antioch Baptist Church, that the children might be taught Bible stories while engaged 
in the play work of the kindergarten. She secured the assistance of Mrs. L. H. Spivey, who was 
formerly Miss Ina Chapman of Mechanicsburg, Ohio, as teacher, and they worked hand in hand. It 
was largely through her faithfulness and sincerity in the work that the school again opened in the fall 
of 1911, with an increased attendance. Mrs. Lights' heart's desire was to see a building erected on the 
Antioch Baptist Church property that would serve as a school and day nursery. It seems the kind 
Father just waited until her plans were thoroughly ingratiated in the hearts and minds of the people, 
and then closed her life's work, calling her home to Himself. 

The mantle of manager and treasurer seems to have providentially fallen upon Mrs. 'Venora 
Allen Bell. Her years of experience in dealing with the little ones and her natural fondness for chil- 
dren particularly fitted her for the position, and she has proven herself an excellent manager, both of 
the school and funds. Under her management the school has grown from under the Missionary So- 
ciety to an independent auxiliary or Kindergarten Association. In the fall of 1913, when the school 
opened, Mrs. Florence McBride-Sledge was elected to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mrs. 
L. H. Spivey. Mrs. Sledge, a native of Macomb, Illinois, has since her election filled the position with 
efficiency, doing all in her power to promote the growth of the school, which after five years' exist- 
ence has all the equipments of a modern kindergarten. 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



.S9 



Sn iifmortam 




MRS. F. L. LIGHTS. Deceased. 
Born June 17,1875. Died October 23,1912. 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



41 





Antioch Baptist Churcli. :'.ll Robin Street. 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



43 




REV. F. L. LIGHTS, D. D. 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



45 



tH 




Residence of Rev. N. P. Pu Hum. 1319 Andrews Street. 





Rev. anil Mr.s. N. I', f'ulluni. 



Nathan Kawrcnce PuUum. Deceased. 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



47 




Fourth Missionary Baptist Cliurch, corner Lamar and Dowling Streets. 




Rev. H. B. Southern was born in Washington 
County in 1869, three and one-half miles from 
Brenham. He was converted and joined the 
Ebenezer Baptist Church, Chapel Hill, Texas, 
in 1887. He was ordained in 1892 and was a 
student of Theology two years under Dr. J. T. 
Brown, also took a Theological course at Conroe 
Normal and Industrial College for two years. 
He is an author and .scholar and has pastored 
twenty-six churches during his ministry, was 
missionary and financial, secretary of the Gen- 
eral Bowen Missionary Bapti-st As.sociation. He 
is in his fourth year as pastor of the Fourth 
Missionary Baptist Church. 





Bethel Baptist Church , 801 Andrews Street. 



Rev. J. R. Burdett was born in Pilot Point, Texas, in the year 
of 1878. He is a graduate of Ai'kansas Baptist College, class 
of 1911. His property consists of a home in Little Rock, Ark. 
He was married to Miss Estella Waddy in 1905. Came to 
Houston in 1915 to pastor the Bethel Baptist Church at 801 
Andrews Street. He is a member of R. F. C. and G. U. O. 0. F. 
Pastor at Forest City, Ark., for six years. Missionary work 
four years. Joined the Baptist Association of Texas. 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



49 




St. Johns Baptist Cliurcli, 2104 Broadway. 




These cuts represent the St. John Baptist t'hurcii on 
Broadway between Gray and Webster avenues, togetlier 
with Rev. Wni. Johnson. B.S.. D.D., its pastor. St. John is 
practically a young congregation, liaving been organized in 
litOl. This is one of the most important churclies of tlie 
1 ity. Its seating capacity is practically 1000, and standing 
room is often at a premium. This church is noted for its 
;ittitude toward both civic and benevolent movements in 
the city and state. The personnel of the congregation is 
particularly unique, in that it numbers among its member- 
ship representatives of practically every calling, profession 
;in<l avocation in the race, and that the cook, washer- 
woman. (Iiaufteur. mail carrier, doctor, lawyer, preacher 
and teacher work and worship side by side without the 
slightest friction. The motto of this church is: "There 
c an be no failure where there is proper understanding." 

Dr. Wm. Johnson, B. S., D. D.. is an ex-president of the 
Mobile Baptist ('ollege, and one of the foremost preachers 
of the age. He is regarded as a deep theologian, versa- 
tile writer and brilliant orator. He has filled some of the 
most popular pulpits of the Baptist denomination, promi 
nent among which are Mount Olive Baptist Church of Ope- 
lousas. La., and Franklin Street of Mobile, Ala. He has 
recently accepted the St. John pastorate, finding when he 
took charge a membership of 79, which he increased 
in four months to 45(i. He is one among that rapidly in- 
creasing number of pastors who believe in owning — to use 
his words — "at least a chicken coop on earth before ex- 
pecting a mansion in Heaven." He owns taxable property 
in Louisiana, Texas and Alabama. He is married and is 
educating liis children. 




Shiloh Baptist Clnircli, Rev. C. W. Holmes, Pastor, 2914 Providence Street. 




Mt. Pillar Missionary Baptist Churcli, Rev. R. L. Williams, Pastor, Hemphill and State Streets. 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



51 




Wesley A. M. E. Church, 2201 Dowling Street. 





Mrs. .Mar.\ l>. I'. Howard. 



Rev. Edward Jame.s Howard, D. D. 



52 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 





l;i-v H. P ]'(.i-ter. M, |i 



Rev. .\I. C Hrooks. 





Bee-Bees Tabernacle C. M. E. Church, corner San 
Felipe and Arihiir Streets. 



Kev. W. Q Hunter. I'astor 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



53 



COLORED METHODIST EPISCOPAL 

CHURCH 



The Colored Methodist Episcopal Church is the youngest daughter of Negro Meth- 
odism. But her constituents glory in the fact that her ecclesiastical descent can be traced 
back to the organization of Methodism by John Wesley in 1729, with a broken link, in 
the great controversy of 1844 which resulted in the division of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church into two branches, North and South, each branch holding its colored 
members. At the beginning of the Civil war there were 207,000 colored communicants 
in the M. E. Church, South. When this great catastrophe (the Civil war) was over, and 
when the M. E. Church, South, decided at New Orleans in 1866 to organize their colored 
members into a body separate and distinct from their church, the colored membership 
had greatly decreased until their numbers were not more than 78,000. 

In 1870, according to resolution passed at New Orleans in the General Conference of 
the M. E. Church, South, in 1866. Bishop Paine, Senior Bishop of the M. E. Church, 
South, met the colored membership at Jackson, Tenn., in Decembei-, 1870, and proceeded 
to organize the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church. At this meeting W. li. Miles and 
R. H. Vanderhorst were elected the first bishops of the C. M. E. Church and consecrated 
by Bishop Paine. Since this time the C. M. E. Church has grown wonderfully. 

She now boasts of a membership of 350,000, nine living bishops, three dead, fourteen 
schools and colleges, one superintendent of missions to Africa, four church papers, a large 
publishing plant. The C. M. E. Church, though free, separate and distinct in all its gov- 
ernments, the member.ship from layman to the Bishopric sustains a relation to the South- 
ern white church that no issue or problem has been able to break or mar. 

The C. M. E. Church is the only colored Methodist church whose ecclesiastical descent 
is regular and whose bishops have been regularly elected and consecrated according to the 
uses and polity of Methodism. "She has gone forth as the brightness of the morning, 
that shineth more and more unto a perfect day." 

REV. H. P. PORTER. 

REV. W. G. HUNTER. 



54 THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



REV. EDWARD JAMES HOWARD, D. D. 

Edward James Howard, son of Edward and Mary Howard, was born December 25, 
1870, at Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri. His parents moved to Paola, Miami County, 
Kansas, in the spring of 1875. His education was begun in the Paola High School. He 
learned the trade of plasterer under his father. Convei'ted at the age of twelve years, he 
joined the A. M. E. Church and grew up as an active member of the same, serving as 
steward and Sunday School teacher. He was married to Miss Mary Dallas Partilla, June 
27, 1894, at Spring Hill, Kansas. He experienced a call to the Christian ministry in 1896, 
and was licensed to preach during the same year. He came to Waco, Texas, in 1897, and 
was appointed pastor of St. Luke Mission in East Waco. The membership was then only 
eight in number. He was ordained deacon under the missionary rule in November, 1897, 
at Cameron, Texas, by Bishops A. Grant and J. H. Armstrong. From this conference he 
was appointed to Cox Providence and Little Rocky Circuit, where he built a three-room 
parsonage. In the fall of 1896 he was appointed to Taylor Circuit. He remained here four 
years, rebuilt the church, remodeled the parsonage and increased the membership from 
20 to 160. He was appointed to Temple, Texas, in the fall of 1902. Here he paid for 
ground previously purchased, and built a five-room parsonage. He remained here two years. 
His next appointment was to El Paso, Texas. He remained at El Paso four years. He 
increased the membership from 60 to 150, paid a mortgage debt of $500.00, bought three 
lots at a cost of $1,200.00, and built a red pressed brick church at a cost of $13,000.00. He 
was returned to Waco and stationed at St. Paul. Here he paid a mortgage debt of $468.00, 
paid a balance of $2,000.00 on property bought for a new church site, and built the best 
church of the connection in the Southwest. In the fall of 1914 he was transferred from the 
Central Texas Conference to the Texas Conference and stationed at Wesley Chapel, Hous- 
ton. Many conversions and accessions have marked all his pastorates. While at Waco 
he took up special study at Paul Quinn College. It was this institution that conferred 
upon him the degree of Doctor of Divinity. He has been a member of the Board of Trus- 
tees and the Executive Board of Paul Quinn College for seven years. He is well known 
in church circles of his State and is beloved by all his brethren. 

He was a delegate to the General Conference of his church that met in Kansas City in 
1912, leading his delegation from the Central Texas Conference. He now represents the 
Tenth Episcopal District on the Financial Board. 

It is noteworthy to say just here that circumstances prevented the rounding out of an 
education as he so desired, but by his dynamic will power and tact he has stood always 
with men who were his intellectual superiors, and is felt among his people because of the 
unstinted service and love for humanity. Wherever he has gone to carry the gospel he has 
endeavored to help his people be their best and do their best. Another thing that shows 
the big heart of the man is his unselfish way of dealing with his fellow brethren of all 
denominations. He served as President of the Ministers Union in Waco, and is acting in 
the same capacity now in Houston. We can readily see that his labors are not for self- 
aggrandizement or glory, but rather to help in the great plan of lifting up his belated black 
brother. Aside from his sincerity, honesty and devotion in his work another thing that 
makes him succeed is his willingness to let every member in his church do something, 
both little and big, and greatest of all, he never attempts to monopolize the honor for 
things done to himself, but rather pays the tribute to those faithful followers. He 
moves in and out among his people with an unassuming gentility that draws the young 
and aspiring and the old and retired alike. In this short sketch we cannot add or detract 
from the name or work of Rev. Howard. We simply pronounce the name and relate the 
work and leave them shining on, rejoicing that he still lives by the side of the way to be a 
friend to man. 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



55 




J. J. HARDEWAY. 



J. J. Hardeway was born Oct. 25th, 18«S, in P 
the age of IS and taught school eleven years, at a 
quitting the teaching profession of his own accord, h 
merchandise for four years. He moved to Houston 
company for about three years. Then he establish 
has been continuously engaged for more than nine ye 
1907. He married Miss Uora Ann Freeman in ISSS, w 
Dec. 2Gth, IHH. Their union was blessed with six c 
Miss I'iccola Ruth, all of whom are living. He is a 
Church: member of the l'. B of F. and A. O. of P. 
a drug store, and owns some real estate in and nea 



oik County, Texas, on a farm. He left the farm at 
nd near Livingston, Texas, in his home county. After 
e was the owner and manager of a store of general 
. Texas, Jan. 1st, l!tO:j, and represented an insurance 
ed the Real Estate and Rental business, in which he 
ars. He has been a Notary Tublic since .June 1st, 
ith whom he lived until she was taken away on 
hildren, namely: 0. R., R. D., C. R.. R. S., .1. L. and 

member, steward and trustee of Trinity M. E. 
He ow-ns stock in an old-line insurance company, in 

■ Houston. Texas. 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



57 




m 



Rev. and Mrs. J. A. Pendleton. 



The above cut is that o£ Elder James Pendleton and his wife, Lillie Bell Price Pendleton. This 
happy couple were united in the holy bonds of matrimony in Houston, Texas, June 25, 1913, in the 
Church of God, corner Sherman and Saulnier Streets, of which Elder Pendleton i.s pastor. It is gener- 
ally considered that the Pendleton-Price wedding was among the most important that Houston has pro- 
duced, being attended by white and colored en masse. Elder Pendleton is the founder of the Church of 
God in Houston: starting without a single member or one foot of ground, in six years he had pur- 
chased a lot for $600.00 and had erected a beautiful church building and a liall for amusement purposes 
at an expense of $2,000.00; every cent being paid on property and buildings in six years. The mem- 
bership of this church runs into the hundreds. Besides being the pastor of the Houston Temple, Elder 
Pendleton is the pastor of the Church of God at Galveston, Texas, and is chairman of the General As- 
sembly of the Church of God. Aside from his district ministerial work, Elder Pendleton and Mrs. Lillie 
Hell Pendleton are the editor and editress, respectively, of the Church of God Review, a religious peri- 
odical published semi-monthly, at 419V2 Milam Street, Houston, Texas. Being launched on February 24, 
1911, this religious periodical has grown by leaps and by bounds, being increased in size three times in 
four years. The Church of God Review is the official organ of the <-hurch, and is particularly adapted to 
religious matter. Since their marriage the Pcndletons have resided continuously at 319 San Felipe street. 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



5[) 



in ilfiumiam 




PROK. J. M. COD WELL. Deceased. 
Born I860— Died 1914. 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 61 




POPULATION. 

While the population of the Afro-American race in the United States is not increas- 
ing as fast as that of the white race, still it has increased 150 per cent in the past fifty 
years. The population, estimated in round numbers, at the close of the war was four mil- 
lion, and it is now about ten million. It has increased for the last twenty years at the 
rate of one hundred thousand per year. 



PERCENTAGE OF POPULATION. 

In 1870 the Afro-American race composed 15 per cent of the whole inhabitants of the 
United States, while today it only comprises 11 per cent of the whole. This dispropor- 
tionate showing is due, not to a difference in natural increase of the races, but to the 
larger immigration of the white races and the almost entire lack of immigration from 
African countries. To give a resume of this would take up too much space for this article. 

The population is distributed by States as follows : 

Less than 1 per cent of the population of Washington, Idaho, Oregon, California, 
Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, Montana, North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, 
Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan. Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire is African. 

From 1 to 5 per cent of the entire population of the following States is Afro-Ameri- 
can : Arizona, Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsyl- 
vania, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island and New Jersey. 

The following States have an Afro- American population of from 5 to 121/2 per cent of 
the whole : Oklahoma, Kentucky, West Virginia. Texas, Tennessee, Maryland and Dela- 
ware have from 12 '/2 to 25 per cent Afro-American population. In three States the per- 
centage of Afro-American population ranges from 25 to 371/2 per cent of the whole ; these 
are Arkansas, Virginia and North Carolina. 

In four States the Afro- American population ranges from 371/2 to 50 per cent. These 
are Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia and Florida. Only in two States of the Union have the 
Afro-Americans a population of over 50 per cent of the whole. These are Mississippi and 
South Carolina. 

Taking the population by States for the seven States with largest Afro-American per- 
centage, the following are the figures given by the last United States census : Georgia, 
1,176,987 ; Mississippi, 1,009,487 ; Alabama, 908,282 : South Carolina, 835,843 ; Louisiana. 
713,874; North Carolina, 697,853; Texas, 690,049. 

To these figures may be added about 2i/> per cent, as that increase is evident since 
the 1910 census was brought out. 

The Afro-American race in the United States shows a smaller rate of foreign born 
than any other race or people, less than one out of 200 being the percentage of foreign 



62 THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 

born. Taking all other races together to make the figures for the white races, one in 
eight is foreign born. 

The Afro-Americans in Texas may be set down now at 700,000, which is an increase 
of 210,000 since 1890, or an increase of 2 per cent per year for twenty years. 

WEALTH. 

On the other hand the increase in wealth has been gratifying, when the handicaps 
under which the race operated are taken into consideration. At the close of the war the 
uncertain census returns gave the wealth of the race at about $20,000,000.00. It certainly 
did not go over $25,000,000.00. At the close of this fifty-year period, it has reached a 
sum in excess of $700,000,000.00. Some authorities claim it reaches the billion dollar 
mark, and some estimate it as low as a half billion. A safe figure to place it at now, 
from all the obtainable data, is $72.5,000,000.00. This means that while the race has only 
increased 150 per cent in population, the wealth of the race has increased 2,900 per cent. 
It is probable at the close of the war that the greater majority of this wealth was in 
agricultural lands, and the same holds good now. The value represented by farm lands 
and farm implements and improvements reaches well above the $400,000,000.00 mark, 
iind the remainder of the sum is in real estate, houses and establishments in the cities. 
Of course, compared with the overwhelming increase in wealth of the American race, it 
appears only a small sum, still it represents a greater progress economically, industrially 
and from the standpoint of accumulation than that made by any race that has come up 
out of slavery in the first fifty years of its emancipation. The wealth of the race is 
something over $70 per capita, and this is by far the best record made by a race during 
the first fifty years of its economic existence. A reference to this fact is seen in Emmett 
J. Scott's article in this book on "Efi'iciency." While the per capita just after the war 
was under $6, today it is twelve times as great. The average of wealth for each one of 
the 10,000,000 is thirteen times greater than the average of the 4,000,000 in 1870. 

FARMS. 

Of the total number of owner-operated farms in Texas, nearly 22,000, or one-eighth 
of the owners who operate their farms, are Afro-Americans. It is impossible to estimate 
the acreage of these 22,000 farms, but the significant fact is presented that over three- 
fourths of these farms are reported out of debt, while less than two-thirds of those owned 
and operated by the white farmers are out of debt. Of the total number of rented farms 
in the State, about 50,000, or one-third, are rented by Afro-Americans. Of the managed 
farms nearly 100 have Afro-American managers. 

Taking the whole Texas farm situation, both owner-operated and rented, nearly 
one-fourth of the farmers are Afro-Americans. It is impossible to give the value of the 
acreage owned by members of the race, as such statistics are unavailable. However, 
reports from 3,200 of such farms give an average of $1,750 valuation each. If this average 
be maintained throughout the entire number of farms owned by members of the race in 
Texas, it would show a total of $38,000,000.00. 

HARRIS COUNTY FARMS. 

Of the less than 1,600 farms cultivated in Harris County over one-fourth are operated 
by Afro-Americans. Of these 50 per cent are owners and 7 per cent managers, the rest 
being renters. 

FARMS IN UNITED STATES. 
The total number of farms owned, managed and rented in the United States in 1910 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 63 

is given as 893,370, which is an increase in number for the ten years prior of 146,655. If 
this same increase ratio has held until now, the number of such is over 900,000. 

OWNERS. 

The number owning their farms is given as 218,972, which is an increase of 20 per 
cent in ten years. The same increase holding good, would make the number of farm 
owners now about 240,000. 

ACREAGE. 

The total farm acreage estimated from the census is over 46,000,000 acres. 

VALUE. 

The total value of farm property owned or operated by Afro-Americans in the United 
States is given by the 1910 census as $1,141,792,526. According to the percentage of 
increase for the ten years prior this value should now be about $1,870,000,000. 

DISTRIBUTION. 

This value is distributed by States in those States having $3,000,000 worth of prop- 
erty or more as follows (the figui'es given after each State are in millions of dollars) : 
Alabama, 77; Arkansas, 71; Florida, 12; Georgia, 133; Illinois, 6; Indiana, 3; Kansas, 
7; Kentucky, 15; Louisiana, 46; Maryland, 10; Mississippi, 153; Missouri, 12; North 
Carolina, 69; Ohio, 6; Oklahoma, 25; South Carolina, 102; Tennessee, 44; Texas, 93; 
Virginia, 47. 

FOR TEXAS. 

The number of farms in Texas owned or operated by Afro-Americans is now over 
70,000. Of these over 21,000 are owners and about 50,000 are tenants or managers. 

Texas is fourth in value of farm properties, and is second in number of farms owned. 
Virginia comes first in number of farms owned with nearly 33,000. Texas is, however, 
far behind the other Southern States in the percentage of increase in farm ownership, 
standing twenty-fourth in the number of States. As to number of total Afro-American 
population by States, Texas stands seventh. 

POPULATION. 

The total Afro-American population of United States and possessions is given as 
follows : United States proper, 9,827,763 ; Alaska, 209 ; Hawaii, 695, and Porto Rico, 
386,437, a total of over ten million. The Afro-Americans have increased during the la.st 
decade at the rate of over 11 per cent. The increase of the white population during that 
period has been over 22 per cent. This greater percentage of increase of whites is due, 
however, mostly to immigration. The increase of the Afro-American race is due almost 
entirely to natural increase of births over deaths, as only an incomparable per cent is 
due to immigration. 

CENTER OF POPULATION. 

The center of Afro-American population is now in the northeast corner of Alabama, 
near the town of Fort Payne. The center of population in 1790 was in the southeastern 
portion of Virginia. This center has since traveled in a direction southwest by 



64 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



wefct until it is where stated, having moved a distance of about 485 miles since 1790. In 
another ten or twenty years it will be near the corners of Tennessee. Alabama and Miss- 
issippi, if the presen' trend is continued. 

The population of the United States proper, by decades : 



CENSU.S YEAR. 



1910.. 

1900... 

1890.. . 

1880... . 

1870.... 

1860 . . . . 

1850.. 

1840.. 

1830.. 

1820.. 

ISIO. 

1800.. 

1790.. 



POPULATION AT EACH CENSUS, 1790—1910. 



Total. 



91,972,266 

75,994,575 

62,947,714 

.50,155,783 

.39,818,449 

31,443,321 

23,191,876 

17,069,453 

12,866,020 

9,638,453 

7,239,881 

.5,308,483 

3.029,214 



Negro. 



Number. 



Per 
cent. 



9,827,763 
8,833,994 
7,488,676 
6,580,793 
5,392,172 
4,441,830 
3,638,808 
2,873,648 
2,328,642 
1,771,656 
1,377,808 
1,002,037 
757,208 



10.7 
11.6 
11.9 
13.1 
13.5 
14.1 
15.7 
16.8 
18.1 
18.4 
19.0 
18.9 
19.3 



White 



81,731,957 

66,809,196 

55,101,258 

43,402,970 

34,.337,292 

26,922,537 

19,553,068 

14,195,805 

10,537,378 

7,866,797 

5,802,073 

4,306,446 

3,172,006 



Indian, 
Chinese, 
Japanese, 

and all 
other. 



412,546 
351,385 
356,780 
172,020 
88,98.5 
7S,!I51 



URBAN AND RURAL POPULATION. 

In 1910 the percentage of Afro-Americans living in rural communities was "72. (j, the 
remainder living in towns and cities. 

The Afro-Americans represent 14.5 per cent of the total rural population of the 
country and 6.3 per cent of the city population. 

The following table gives the 43 cities of the United States having a population of ten 
thousand or more Af ro- Americans : 



CITY 


POPULATION. 


INCREASE. • 




1910 


1900 


Number. 


Per cent. 


Washington, D. C 

New York, N. Y . . . 

New Orleans, La . . 

Baltimore, Md ... 

Philadelphia, Pa . . . 

Memphis, Tenn ... 


94,446 
91,709 
89,262 
84,749 
84,459 
52,441 
52,305 

51,902 
46,733 
44,103 
43,900 
40,522 
36,523 

33,246 
31,056 
29,293 
25,623 
25,039 
23,929 


86,702 
60,666 
77,714 
79.258 
62,613 
49,910 
16,575 

35,727 
32,230 
30,150 
35,516 
39,139 
30,044 

28,090 
31,522 
16,236 
20,355 
20,230 
14,608 


7,744 
31,043 
11,548 

5,491 
21,846 

2,531 
35,730 

16,175 

14,503 

13,953 

8,444 

1,383 

6,479 

5,156 
—466 
13,0.57 
5,268 
4,809 
9,321 


8.9 
51.2 
14.9 

6.9 
34.9 

5.1 


Birmingham, Ala. . 


215.6 


Atlanta, Ga 


45.3 


Richmond, Va 


45.0 


Chicago, 111 

St. Louis, Mo 

Louisville, Ky 


46.3 

23.8 

3.5 


Nashville, Tenn 


21.6 


Savannah, Ga 

Charleston, S. C . . 
Jacksonville, Fla . , 
Pittsburgh, Pa. , . 
Norfolk, Va . . . 


18.4 
— 1.5 
80.4 
25.9 
23.8 


Houston, Tex 


63.8 



A minus sign ( — ) denotes decrease. 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



65 



URBAN AND RURAL POPULATION— Continued. 



CITY. 



POPULATION. 



1910 



Kansas Citv, Mo . 

Mobile, Ala 

Indianapolis, Ind 
Cincinnati, Ohio . . 
Montgomery, Ala. 
Augusta, Ga .... 



Macon, Ga 

Dallas, Te.\ 

Chattanooga, Tcnii - 
Little Rock, Ark . 
Shreveport, La . . 
Boston, Mass 

Ft. Worth, Tex ... . 
Columbus, Ohio . . . 
Wilmington, N. C. 
Vicksburg, Miss. . . 
Charlotte, N. C... 
Portsmouth, Va. . . . 



Columbia, S. C 
Petersburg, Va . . 
Lexington, Ky . . , . 
San Antonio, Tex . 
Jackson, Miss. . . . 
Pensacola, Fla. . . . 



23,566 

22,763 
21,816 
10,639 
19,322 
18,344 

18,150 
18,024 
17,942 
14,,539 
13,896 
13,564 

13,280 
12,739 
12,107 
12,053 
11,752 
11,617 

11,. 546 
11,014 
11,011 
10,716 
10,554 
10,214 



1900 



17,567 
17,045 
15,931 
14,482 
17,229 
18,487 

11,5.50 
9,035 

13,122 

14,694 
8,542 

11,591 

4,249 
8,201 
10,407 
8,147 
7,151 
5,625 

9,858 
10,751 
10,130 

7,.538 

4,447 
8,561 



INCREASE.* 



Number. 



5,999 
5,718 
5,885 
5,157 
2,093 
—143 

6,600 
8,989 
4,820 
—155 
5,354 
1,973 

9,031 
4,538 
1,700 
3,906 
4,601 
5,992 

1,688 
263 
881 
3,178 
6,107 
1,653 



Per cent 



34.1 
33.5 
36.9 
35.6 
12.1 
—0.8 

57.1 
99.5 
36.7 
—1.1 
62.7 
17.0 

212.5 
55.3 
16.3 
47.9 
64.3 

100.5 

17.1 
2.4 
8.7 

42.2 
137.3 

19.3 



A minus sign ( — ) denotes decrease. 



HOME OWNERS IN CITIES. 

Houston is fourteenth in the number of homes with 5,800, and ninth in the number 
of homes owned with 1,183. Baltimore, with 18,000 homes, reports only 933 as owned. 
Louisville, with a total of 11,000 homes, reports only 711 owned. New Orleans has the 
largest number reported, being 21,880, with 2,431 owned. Washington, with an Afro- 
American population of nearly 95,000 souls, reports only 2,072 homes, with only 737 
owned. There is no way of determining the value of these owned homes as no record has 
been kept by the United States census department. 



HOMES BOTH RURAL AND URBAN. 

Texas is sixth in the number of homes reported with 145,890. It is second in the num- 
ber of homes owned with 41,583. Of these the number free from debt is given as 31,607. 

Taking the Southern States, with a population in 1910 of 8,749,427, which is an 
increase of 836,458, we have a total number of homes of 1,917,391, an increase in the 
number of homes in the prior ten years of 280,367, or over 28,000 per year for ten years. 



The total of these homes owned is given as 430,449. 
are reported free from debt. 



Of the.se owned homes 314,340 



Of the above number of total homes, 864,688 are farm homes, of these the total owned 
is 212,508, an increase in the number of farm homes owned of 18 percent in the prior ten 
years. The total number of homes other tlian farm homes is given as 1,052,703, and the 
number owned is given as 217,942, which is an increase of 40 per cent over 1900. The 



66 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



number of owned homes free from debt for 1910 is given as 162,293, which is an increase 
of 60 per cent of homes owned free from debt over 1900. 

In the Southern States 77 per cent of the homes owned are free from mortgage or 
incumbrance. 

PERCENTAGE GF-BLACK AND MULATTO. 

The following table gives the classification of the Afro-American race in the United 
States, divided as to Blacks and Mulattoes : 



CENSUS YEAR 


POPULATION. 


PER CENT. 




Total 


Black* 


Mulatto* 


Black 


Mulatto 


1910 


9,827,763 
8,833,994 
t7,488,676 
6,580,793 
4,880,009 
4,441,830 
3,638,808 


7,777,077 


2,050,686 


79.1 


20.9 


1900 


1890 


6,337,980 


1,132,060 


84.8 


15.2 


1880 


1870 


4,295,960 
3,853,467 
3,233,057 


584,040 
588,363 
405,751 


88.0 
86.8 
88.8 


JO 


1860 ... 


13 •' 


1850 


11.2 



* No data for 1880 or 1900. 

t Includes 18,636 Negroes enumerated in Indian Territory, not distinguished as black or 
mulatto. 



RELIGIOUS BODIES, ETC. 

The following summary was taken from the religious census taken by the United 
States Census Department in 1906: 

Organizations 36,770 

Communicants or members 3,685,097 

Places of worship: 

Church edifices 35,160 

Halls, etc 1,261 

Seating capacity of church edifices 10,481,738 

Parsonages 4,779 

Value of church property: 

Church edifices $,')6,037,lo9 

Parsonages $3,727,884 

Debt on church property $5,005,905 

Sunday Schools: 

Number of schools 34,681 

Officers and teachers 210,148 

Scholars 1 ,740,009 



From 1890 to 1906 the Afro-American population increased 26.1 per cent, while dur- 
ing the same period the number of church organizations increased 56.7 per cent and the 
number of communicants increased 37.8 per cent ; the number of church edifices increased 
47.9 per cent; the seating capacity increased 54.1 percent. 

According to the increase shown in the above statement, taking the table as it stands 
today, the probable membership of the several denominations is something like fqur and 
a quarter million. 

South Carolina is fir.st in church membership with a total of over half a million com- 
municants, and Texas comes seventh with nearly a quarter of a million. 

The figures as given in the tables compiled in Bulletin 129, Census Department, give 
the communicants for the several denominations as follows: Those of Baptist f?ith, 
2,354,789. Of these two and one-half million belong to the National Baptist Convention. 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 67 

Next come the Methodists with a membership of 1,181,131 ; the A. IVI. E. with 494,777 ; the 
M. E.'s with 308,551 ; the A. M. E. Z.'s with 184,542 and the C. M. E. Church with 172,996 
members. 

PERCENTAGE OF COMMUNICANTS TO POPULATION. 

The population of the United States (Afro-American) was given for 1910 as 4,885,- 
881 males, and 4,941,882 females. Of these 1,373,954 males were under ten years old and 
1,388,273 females were under ten years old. 

This gives a total population of 7,065,536 over ten yeai's old. Taking the number of 
communicants as given by the above table and not allowing for the probable increase in 
percentage of communicants we have over 52 per cent of the population over ten years old 
as members of the different churches. 

The figures in this article were compiled from Bulletin No. 129 and the statistics 
given in that are taken from reports from sixteen denominations composed wholly of Afro- 
American church organizations and twenty-six denominations composed both of white 
and Afro-American church organizations. 




68 THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 

DR. FREDERICK L. LIGHTS. 

Dr. Lights, Baptist minister, residing at 819 Andrews Street; phone Preston 5531. 
He is president of the Foreign Mission Convention of Texas; President of the General 
Board of Trustees of Missionary and Educational Convention ; Treasurer of Old Land 
Mark Association ; the Eminent Pastor ol the Antioch Baptist Church of Houston, and 
President of the Ministers' Alliance of Houston. 

F. L. Lights is in the front rank of the Baptist preachers. Born in Louisiana July 
4th, 1859. At the age of twelve his father, Rev. F. L. Lights, Sr., brought him to Texas 
and located at Bryan, Texas, where he attended the city school. After the death of his 
father he was compelled to work during the day and go to school at night. Later, feeling 
a divine call to preach the gospel, he was among the first to enroll as a student in Hearne 
Academy at Hearne, Texas. 

He was a hard worker, careful and exact and did not hesitate to apply himself closely 
to the studies of the course in order to acquire an education. He was converted at Bryan, 
Texas, in the Shiloh Baptist Church under the pastorage of Rev. A. T. Thompson in 1875. 
This church was organized by his father. He was ordained at the Pleasant Grove Baptist 
Church at Edge, Texas, August 11, 1882 

He has pastored some of our best churches, such as Bryan, Hearne, Franklin, Bre- 
mond, Cameron, Rockdale, Hempstead, Hammon Colony, Allen Farm and Wellburn, Tex. 
He has built respectable houses of worship : The Franklin Grove, Wheeiock, Pleasant 
Grove, Edge, Cameron Grove at Cameron. He built two meeting houses at Hempstead, 
enlarged the Baptist meeting house at Hearne, completed the meeting house at Bremond, 
completed the meeting house at Canaan near Bryan, enlarged and completed the Baptist 
meeting house at Houston ; has built up the denomination to permanence wherever his 
lot was cast as pastor. He has baptized more than 5,000 converts, married more than a 
thousand couples, preached the funerals of hundreds of the saints to the comfort of the 
hearts of the mourners. As a pastor Dr. Lights has won the hearts of all his auditors 
and the friendship of all denominations. He is a household ideal in every community and 
city wherever he has preached. He has been interested in all the enterprises for the 
uplift of his people. 

Dr. Lights has traveled extensively abroad. He was messenger to the World's Bap- 
tist Congress in 1905. While in Europe he visited in England, France, Ireland and Scot- 
land. In 1910 he went to the World's Foreign Mission Congress, which was at Edinburgh, 
Scotland, where all the religious denominations of the world were represented. He again 
took side trips to France, Belgium, Germany and Wales. 

The National Baptist Convention met in Houston according to his invitation in 1912. 
It was just one month after the National Convention met that Mrs. Pearl Augusta 
Lights, truly the helpmeet of Dr. Lights, his amiable wife and angel, was summoned to 
her rest. There never was a more helpful minister's wife than Mrs. Lights. Her good 
work will live on through ages. 

It has been said that Louisiana never gave birth to a nobler character than F. L. 
Lights. He has often been referred to as the model pastor of Texas. For truth and 
veracity he can be relied upon. Any person will testify to his moral standing. He is 
always willing to subordinate ambitioii to serve his race. Dr. Light's influence will live 
long after he has gone to his reward. 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



69 




New Mt. Pilgrim l!apti;>l I'hunli, llev. Wasli Rliode^, r<i^i..i, ..4u., .-,i. ( utiles Street. 



REV. N. P. PULLUM. 

Rev. N. P. Pullum was born at Pickingsville, La., in 1862. Attended school at Cor- 
inth, Miss., and Pastor's School in Tuscaloosa, Ala., and Selma, La. Became a mem- 
ber of the Baptist Church in 1887 and two years later was publicly ordained to the 
ministry by a council of nine messengers from ten churches. The council was composed 
of John C. Crawford, W. A. Shelby, Elder P. Murrell, Solomon Page, A. J. Austin, J. 
M. Ma.son, T. Dinon, J. W. White and J. M. Sewell. Married in 1881 to Miss Lizzie 
Mustin, who died four years later. Married in 1890 to Miss Emma Chandler. Rev. 
Pullum pastored in Louisiana from 1889 to 1895, holding three pastorates during that 
time. Came to Te.xas in 1895, when he was called to the Antioch Baptist Church at 
Beaumont. In 1898 he accepted the charge of the Bethel Baptist Church at Houston 
and remained in this work for five years. He then resigned and accepted the call to the 
Friendship Baptist Church in 1903 and is still engaged in this work. Under his admin- 
istration the church bought a lot now valued at about $5,000 and started the erection of 
a twenty thousand dollar church edifice. The first story of the church is completed and 
furni.shed for holding services. Rev. Pullum has long been interested in the uplift of his 
people and has engaged in other pursuits to help out his work. He is proprietor of the 
Pullum Brick Yards and has accumulated during his work in Houston property, including 
homestead, lots, etc., to the amount of nearly forty thousand dollars. He is a member 
of K. of P. and Masons. His residence is at 1319 Andrews Street; phone Preston 302. 



70 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 




St. Paul A. M. E. Church. Rev. . I. L. Mosely. Pastor. 1710 Edwards Street. 



^ H 






REV. JESSE W. GILDER. 

Rev. Jesse W. Gilder was born at Concord, a suburban village near Beaumont, Jef- 
ferson County, Texas, on or about the 15th of August, 1871. When two monchs old his 
mother, who had been a young slave, moved to Beaumont, Texas, where he was i eared 
to manhood. Reading, writing and arithmetic, taught to the tune of a hickory sticlv, made 
their first impressions on his young mind and baclt in the public schools of Beaumont. 
His parents being very poor and unable to continue him in school, he was forced, by rea- 
son of circumstances, to leave home at a very early age to shift for himself. Like most 
boys who drift, he found himself surrounded by evil companions. Strange as it may 
seem, he never became addicted to the use of tobacco, liquor, or to gambling. He was 
often abused and sometimes beaten because he refused to join his companions in things 
of a criminal nature. Rev. Gilder attributes this to the early training in the home by a 
Christian mother and the lessons learned in the Sunday School. Being religiously 
inclined from a child, endowed with natural gifts of intelligence and common sense, he 
applied himself to his studies under private instructors, trying to fit himself for the battle 
of life. Quite fifteen years ago he became conscious of a call to the ministry, but was 
seven yeai's trying to get the consent of his mind to enter, but finally entered quite eight 
years ago, having joined the Texas Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church at 
Paris, Texas, November, 1908, was received by Bishop William A. Quayle. Rev. Gilder 
has served successfully from the country mission and circuit to his present charge (Boyn- 
ton Chapel), which is one of the best city charges in the Conference, where he is .serving 
his third year successfully. Besides this he is first assistant treasurer of the Conference, 
chairman of the Board on Conference Relation, and at present secretary of the Interde- 
nominational Ministers' Union of the City of Houston, Texas. 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



71 



^ 
















6/> .\5 



REV. M. E. ROBINSON. 



Rev. M. E. Robinson is a native of Pollv County, Texas, born in 1868. Residence, 
910 Schwartz Street, which he owns. Residence phone, Preston 8119. Rev. Robinson is 
a graduate of Conroe Normal and Industrial College. Was married to Miss Mella Brooks 
in 1887. He is a member of White Rock Baptist Church. He was converted in 1884 and 
ordained in 1892. He has been pastor of Antioch Baptist Church of Beaumont 14 years 
and of Providence Baptist Church. Leggett, Texas, 7 years. He is the founder of the 
Beaumont Normal and Industrial College of Beaumont, Texas. Served as Moderator of 
the General Bowen's Baptist Association 14 years, is now President of the Baptist State 
Convention of Texas and Vice-President of the National Baptist Convention of U. S. A. 



72 THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



j =^ — ^ — = =— = ^^^^^^^^=^^^^^^= 




HOTLSTON CHTTRCHF^s 







THE ANTIOCH BAPTIST CHURCH 

Was organized on the second Lord's day in January, 1866, by Rev. Mr. Crane, a white 
minister and missionary of the State of Texas at that time. The following persons par- 
ticipated in the organization: John Wheeler, Henry Styles, Edward Smith, Preston 
Greenhill, Daniel Riley, T. L. Brown, Sandy Parker, Wash Rhodes, Isaac Williams, 
Rhyna Moore, Margaret Jones and Cynthia Hill. 

From January to August of this year, this band of Christian workers had no place 
in which to worship other than the privilege granted them by the First Baptist (white) 
and the German Baptist (white) to use their churches. 

On the first Lord's day in August, 1866, Rev. I. S. Campbell and Rev. I. Rhinehart 
reorganized the church and gave it the name it now bears. ReV. Campbell served as pas- 
tor until the fall of 1868, when Rev. Jack Yates was ordained and chosen as pastor. 

Since the organization of Antioch Baptist Church 48 years ago, there has only been 
two real active pastors — Rev. Jack Yates and its present pastor. Rev. Fred Lee Lights. 
Rev. Yates served 24 years, and Rev. Lights is now serving his 21st year. 

The church remained without a pastor from 1891 to 1894, during which time the 
management was under the direct supervision of the Deacon Board. In the meantime, 
though, two pastors were chosen — Rev. Peter Diggs of Texas and Rev. White of 
North Carolina, neither of whom accepted the responsibility. 

The present pastor. Rev. F. L. Lights, was chosen January 29, 1894, and accepted 
the call the second Sunday in March, the same year. There has been a sure and steady 
growth since 1894, gradually and constantly casting off the old habiliments, the old 
ideas, forms and customs, until today it shines in effulgent rays, resplendent w-ith vic- 
tory, shedding peace, happiness, influence and love into every nook and corner. 

On account of the splendid management of affairs, the church enjoys the confidence 
of the entire citizenship of this city and state. It points with pride to the organization 
of all its forces, to the discipline maintained, to the amount of spiritual work, and to the 
proper safeguarding of all finances. Its reputation is that it gives as much thought and 
consideration to a one-cent piece as to the $1.00 bill. 

The membership — active — is about 1684. In 1894 it was 319. 

The following is a statement of the amount of spiritual and financial work done. 
From 1895 to 1905, inclusive, there are no available records which will assist in de- 
termining the total accessions to the church, but for other years it is as follows : 

1894 1906 1907 1908 1909 1910 1911 1912 1913 1914 Total 
153 140 414 155 141 126 107 229 151 214 1830 

Total received by baptism 743 

Total received by experience 310 

Total received by restoration 284 

Total received by letter 151 

Total received by watch care 392 

Total : 1830 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



73 



For the ten years an average of 183 members per year; and if this average is ap- 
plied to the eleven years unaccounted for, the accessions would have been something like 
3840. 

FINANCES. 

The church has in the last sixteen years collected $68,922.38. 

An average yearly receipt of $4,307.65. 

An average monthly receipt of $358.97. 

This enormous sum, or the greater part, v^'as spent for foreign missions, home and 
state missions, educational work, charity, and improvements on the church building. 

The church has all the modern equipment — two baptizing pools, electric lights and 
fans, heating system, sanitary connections and pipe organ. 

The auxiliaries are the W. M. S., the Sunday School, B. Y. P. U. and kindergarten 
classes. 

Present Officers : F. L. Lights, pastor ; W. E. Miller, church clerk. 

Deacons : W. E. Jones, Starkey Watson, J. D. Collins, W. E. Brooks, D. D. Carter, 
W. H. Hogan, Jas. A. Prater, Alex Hood, J. B. Bell, Sam Tate, W. H. Parker, L. H. 
Spivey, E. D. Pierson and W. E. Miller. 

Trustees: John L. Gray, Chas. Payne, Dan. Hood, E. R. Moore and Horace Hicks. 

BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH. 

Corner Crosby and Andrews Streets. Organized in September, 1891. First pastor. 
Rev. Jack Yates. Other pastors : Revs. N. P. Pullum, J. J. Blackshear, J. E. Knox and C. 
C. Harper. Charter members now living and in the church, about 25. Present member- 
ship, 640. 1914 was a most successful year under present pastor, C. C. Harper, who 
raised $5,000.00 and added 300 members in fifteen months. Present ordained deacons: 
J. Perry, Jas. Kinsey, Tom Jones, A. Lacey, Joe Sigh, A. D. Paley, C. Fulcher. Trus- 
tees : M. Smith, J. H. Harmon, L. G. Alexander, R. B. H. Yates, W. E. Green. Church 
clerk, E. S. McCullough. 

BOYNTON CHAPEL A. M. E. CHURCH, 

1120 Paige Street, was organized in 1885 by Rev. Porter Bush and named in honor of 
Bishop Boynton, who donated the property. For the past three years the church has 
been under the pastorate of Rev. J. W. Gilder, and during that time has grown from a 
rating of 6 to that of 1. Plans are being considered for a new enlarged church edifice. 
Present membership, 300. 

MT. VERNON M. E. CHURCH. 

Mount Vernon Methodist Episcopal Church, corner Clark and Burnett Streets, Hous- 
ton, Texas, was organized in 1870 and was then located on Vine Street and was known 
as Union Church, because both Methodists and Baptists worshiped there. The Method- 
ists had two Sundays in the month and the Baptists two, but the congregation was made 
up of both denominations whenever the church was open for services. Later the church 
took the name of Toby's Church, because the land on which it was situated was pur- 
chased by Uncle Toby, who had lived on a part of it. 

More than three thousand .souls have come to Chri.st through the infiuence of this 



74 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



organization. The following is the list of pastors who have been appointed to this charge 
in consecutive order : 

Rev. Bryant was the first, who was succeeded by Rev. W. W. Brown, and then came 
Revs. V. M. Cole, Paul Douglass, Spencer Hardwell, J. S. Whittaker, W. B. Pullam, Jesse 
Shackelford, Tenola Edwards, R. R. Roberts, Isom Snell, C. C. Minegan (twice), Free- 
man Parker (twice), Edward Lee, H. S. McMillan, William Wesley, P. H. Jenkins, J. 0. 
Williams, Frank Gary, W. A. Fortson, K. W. McMillan, and the present pastor, Rev. J. I. 
Gilmore. 

The church edifice on Vine Street was destroyed by the storm of 1900, at an approx- 
imate loss of $5,000.00 to the membership. It was immediately rebuilt on the present 
site, Burnett and Clark, and today the church property is valued at $6,000.00 and the 
parsonage at $1,800.00, all of w-hich is unincumbered. 

The pi-e.sent membership is four hundred fifty-one (451). All of the auxiliaries are 
organized and well intact. A special fund is set aside to relieve the wants of the sick, 
the poor and the distressed. 



PAYNE CHAPEL. 

Payne Chapel A. M. E. Church, Hill Street, Fifth Ward, was organized some time 
during 1886 by Rev. Richard Green. 

The present membership is 60. Number of officers are : 9 trustees, 9 stewards, 9 
stewardesses, 6 class leaders. 

The corner-stone was laid in 1S07 by the Summer Lodge, No. 4021, G. U. 0. of O. F. 

Trustees: Jas. Franklin, Wm. Hackney, Deal Crawford, G. W. Tyrons, Chas. Skin- 
ner, Wm. Crawford, A. Byons, Jas. Porter, and Rev. J. B. Butler, pastor. 

Pre.sent pastor and off'icers : Rev. O. L. Bonner, Wm. Hackney, Harrison Marbury, 
John Walker, J. P. Price, Ed. James, Wm. Crawford, L. S. Tharpe, G. W. Tyrons, Geo. 
Cornish. 

Stewardesses : Mesdames Lucy Crawford, Estella Tharpe, Narcis Richardson, M. F. 
Stafford, V. M. Franklin, Henretta Walker, Mary Stevenson, Annie Fifer, Annie Wood- 
ards. 



SHILOH BAPTIST CHURCH. 

Organized in 1900 by present pastor. Rev. C. W. Holmes, B. D., with a membership of 
96. The first congregation met in a little unfinished frame building. During the in- 
cumbency of the pastor who organized the church, and who is still with his people, the 
church has erected a large stone church edifice costing $10,000.00 and the membership has 
grown to 500. Board of Deacons: S. Williams, G. W. Thomas, Taylor Clark, R. L. 
Holmes, C. Pollard, W. T. Vincent, F. I. Richardson, W. J. Henry, S. Houston, J. Stanley. 



BEE BEE TABERNACLE C. M. E. CHURCH. 
(Originally Sherman Chapel.) 

Organized in 1890. The church was blown down in 1900 and rebuilt in 1902. The 
church was named in honor of Bishop BeeBee. Present pastor. Rev. W. Q. Hunter. 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 75 

SLOAN MEMORIAL METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 

Known in its early iiistory as the Sloan Street Church, was organized in 1870 by Rev. 
Ed Roscoe, a local deacon, assisted by Revs. George Davis and James Smith. Its first 
trustees were Charles Nickerson, Enoch Sherman, Richard (Dick) Thomas, Wash Breed, 
Louis V. Evans and Steve Marshall. 

The church has had a stormy period trying to lay a deep foundation and .striving to 
step into prominence, and it took years for it to get into line as a prominent church. 

The church has been served by the following pastors : Revs. Ed Roscoe, Fletcher Nor- 
wood, Ed. Harris, John L. Smith, G. J. Izzard, Jesse Jones, H. R. Smith, Wade Hamil- 
ton, D. D., C. G. Curtis, W. B. Pullam, Benjamin Manning Taylor, W. L. Duncan, David 
C. Hailey, D. D., Freeman Parker, D. D., G. E. D. Belcher, and W. Hartley Jackson, D. 
D., editor Taborian Banner and Navasota Bugle. 

The present board of trustees is composed of the following: W. W. Ballard, presi- 
dent; Sam Cebron, secretary; Mrs. Delia L. Jones, treasurer; Wm. O'Neil, Milton 
Wright, Prince Lampkins, Joe Palmer, 0. D. Hall and W. H. Montgomery. Stewards : 
A. Harvey, Thomas Hogan, W. W. Ballard, Leon Wilson, W. H. Montgomery, Alex Nel- 
son, O. D. Hall, Harrison Jones, W. Miller, D. L. Jones, M. E. Mitchell and Sam Cebron, 
R. S. Local preachers : Wilson Miller and R. N. Overton. Class leaders : 0. D. Hall, 
J. Palmer, Tillie Stelivan, D. L. Jones, S. Cebron, Nettie Smith, Joe Greene, Allen John- 
son, Thos. Hogan, Turner Eldridge, Leon Wilson, Alex Nelson, Moses Maas, B. J. Wil- 
liams and M. E. Mitchell. 



THE FOURTH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH. 

The Fourth Missionary Baptist Church, known as Watts Chapel, was organized De- 
cember 29, 1883, by Rev. Henry Watts, pastor, assisted by Dr. J. M. C. Breaker of white 
Baptist church. Rev. Joe Robinson and Deacon Josh Watson of the Antioch Baptist 
Church. 

The first board of deacons consisted of the following named: Robert Williams, Eli- 
jah Bird, Dan Nelson, Milton Griffin and Berry Hickman. 

Rev. Watts remained pastor of this church for about 20 years, during which time he 
baptized something like two thousand communicants. 

Present pastor. Rev. H. B. Southern. Located corner Dowling and Lamar. 



WESLEY CHAPEL A. M. E. CHURCH. 

To Know, completely understand and appreciate one's church we must see what really 
was, know something of its origin, and its relation to the people. The pioneers of Wesley 
held their first services in an old rope factory across the street from Mcllhenny. But, 
determined on serving God under their own vine and fig tree, they set about to organize 
and build a church. The organization was perfected about forty years ago, under the pre- 
siding eldership of Rev. h. Wilhite, and had as its first pastor Rev. A. G. Moment. The 
first building was erected in 1876. Moment was succeeded by Rev. J. R. Bryan in 1877, 
who pastored the church for two years. He was succeeded by C. W. Porter, Porter by 
J. Harvey Jones and a long list of others, namely. Rev. Randolph Willard, C. A. Harris, 
J. P. Howard and Warnach. 

The fir.st persons to identify themselves as members of Wesley Chapel were Lucy 
Ann Waoff, Annie Sweeney, Emma Binks, Maranda Brown, Sister Smallwood, Lucretia 



76 THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 

Davis, Brother Henry Carvin. Randolph returned to fill the unexpired term of Rev. Wil- 
lard. It is remarkable in those dark days how the members and ministers of the church 
worked to preserve the church and make it grow, and the results of the unselfish efforts 
are still manifest in our present Wesley. Lucretia Davis, then in public schools of Hous- 
ton, first organized a Sunday School near Mcllhenny and McKinney. Rev. Brown, who 
was then pastor of Brown's Chapel, was sent for to come and look at the new Sunday 
School. During the visit of Bishop Ward to the city Rev. Wilhite named the church Wesley 
and then the Sunday School that had been organized by Lucretia Davis was moved to the 
little frame building. The Sunday School work so well begun by Mrs. Davis was suc- 
ceeded by Emma Lewis, now Emma Banks. The church was recruited from all ranks of 
society, from the lower as well as the higher. To this, above all, it owes its greatness 
and success. A glance at the history and progress of the church is enough to make us 
know that somebody has worked mightily. Coming behind the founders of the church 
were a number of young men possessed of vision and vigor, and into the veins of the 
church they poured rich blood. The most distinguished among them were: Rev. J. W. 
Rankins, M. D. Moody, D. J. Hull, P. C. Hunt, W. H. Young and A. Cardan. These names 
form a background from which we may easily determine the present rank and position 
of the church in the A. M. E. connection. In 1908 Rev. W. D. Miller came to the church, 
and through his experience and influence and power the church, already great, took on 
new strength and growth, and Rev. E. J. Howard in 1914 found there a membership of 
more than 800 and the church progressively organized in all of its branches. 

And now, with Rev. Howard as pastor, having so wonderfully succeeded at other 
places, we are hoping to see even greater things. Already, in less than a year, a large 
sum has been paid on the mortgage debt, and plans are now being put into execution for 
repairing the church, which is needed. Out of respect to the founders and love for Wes- 
ley Chapel we will do whatsoever our hands find to do to make it foremost in the con- 
nection. 

THE CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD. 

THE PILL.\K AND GKOUND OF THE TIU'TH. 1st. Till. 3:1.';. 

Temple No. 1— Located on the corner of Sherman and Saulnler Streets. Elder James 
Pendleton, Pastor. This local temple was organized by its present pastor in 1907, when, 
without a single member or a five-cent piece, he pitched his camp on the Market House 
square. There he preached and succeeded in gaining twenty members. From there he 
located in the Second Ward, in the building now occupied as a church by Rev. Wm. 
Treadville. 

In the spring of 1908 the church purchased a 60x30-foot tent and moved to the Fourth 
Ward and leased from Major A. Parr the vacant lot, corner Lyon and San Felipe Streets. 
There we entered again upon the battle royal in the defense of the great Church of God, 
which He (God) purchased with His own blood. Acts 20:28. Ana through many danger- 
ous toils and snares, we succeeded in establishing a membership of 350. 

From there we moved into the Parr Hail above the E. Jackson Undertaking Parlor, 
1017 San Felipe Street, our membership steadily increasing. It must be remembered that 
through these several years of no certain abiding place we were continually laying aside 
of our means for the vital moment, which came in the spring of 1909, when the church 
purchased for $600.00 the site of its present location. And in 1911 we contracted for the 
present building that now adorns this beautiful site, being 50.\30 feet clear floor space, with 
30 feet hall in rear, built by our Deacon Board between their woi'k hours. 

The present record sho"w\s a total membership of about 650 ; while these are not all 
active, there are some as good people in the church as the city aff'ords. The church house 
is equipped with all modern and sanitary conveniences and has among its auxiliaries the 
Woman's Charity Work, Sister C. Spivey, President; Sister L. Flowers, Vice-President; 
Sister L. B. Pendleton, Secretary. A regular Sunday morning Bible Class, F. R. Grifl'in, 
teacher; A. Fenel, Supt. : a regular singing choir. Sister E. Stafl'ord, leader; Sister S. John- 
son, Secretary ; a Ministers' and Deacons' Bible Extension Club, Elder C. J. Laws, Presi- 
dent; A. Fenel, Secretary; a board of six deacons, G. W. White, Chairman; A. Pearson, A. 
Fenel, D. Fisher, L. Robinson, S. Montgomery, J W. Hilton, Secretary. 

The church is now clear of debt except $75.00 on sanitation. The religious morals of 
the Church of God have been and are to raise men and women from a dead level to a per- 
pendicular and to diff"use such scriptural knowledge as will cause them to search the scrip- 
tures as commanded by Jesus Christ. St. John 5 :39. J. W. HILTON, C. C. 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



// 




1. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Franklin 

2. Siinimie Mason 

3. Mrs. P. H. Watkins 



4, Will Robinsou 

5. Mrs. D. P. Holly 
6 T. C. Davenport 



7. .Mrs. E C. Robinson 

8. P. H. Watkins 

11. Miss Louise M. Brown 



If^. Dan A. Goodwin 
U. Mrs. Sanmiie JIason 
12. A. T. Bland 



l.i. Mrs, D. L. Jones 

14. Wni. McKinley Henry 

15. .Mrs. M. E. Williams 




REV. I. M. BURGAN, D. D. 

A native of North Carolina, born 1848, Rev. Dr. 
Burgan received his education in the pubHc schools and 
State Normal of Indiana and at Wilberforce Univer- 
sity, Ohio, graduating from the university in the class 
of 1883. He became a communicant of the A. M. E. 
Church in 1870 and was married to Miss Cora M. Moore 
of Detroit, Mich., who was at the time teacher of music 
in the Blind Asylum at Austin, Texas, in 1889. 

He came to Te.xas in 1883 to take charge of the Paul 
Quinn College as its president, which position he has 
held almost continually until 1914. During his nine- 
teen years as president of the Paul Quinn College at 
Waco, he on two different times resigned, but the Board 
of Directors, feeling the need of his strong hand to 
guide the work, re-elected him. He is rated as one of the strong- 
est educators of his race, and during his administration as pres- 
ident he had the distinction of graduating the first class with 
degrees ever graduated from a college of his race in the State. 

Dr. Burgan has been quite prominent in all advance movements for his race. He has demonstrated 
his business capacity in the economic and almost wonderful niana.s;ement of Paul Quinn College during 
the "long, hard, lean years." He is a good preacher and stands in the front ranks of advance thinkers 
and active workers of his race. In his work and dealinss he has enjoyed the fullest confidence of the 
leading people of both races. Some of the leading men of the white race of Waco voluntarily asked him 
to receive a recommendation from them attesting the esteem and confidence they had for and in him. 

He began his ministerial career in 1887 and accepted his first pastorate in 1881. During his minis- 
terial work he has pastored churches in Ohio, Indiana. California, Arkansas and Texas, with a marked 
degree of success. It is to men of this character and calibre that the masses of the race must look tor 
their greatest human exemplars. 




Paul Quinn College, Waco, Texas. 



PAUL QUINN COLLEGE. 

Above is a birdseye view of the Paul Quinn College of the A. M. E. Church, located 
at Waco, Texas, established in 1881 during the administration of Bishop R. H. Cain. This 
school occupies a campus of twenty acres, a good part of which is given over to farm dem- 
onstration work and the growing of vegetables, the sale of which has helped materially to 
finance the college. The United States Demonstration Farm Department has a sub-station 
on the campus. The group of buildings consist of twelve separate units. Even with 
these buildings, they are inadequate to take care of the patronage that would come to 
the college if larger accommodations were provided. The largest year the college has had 
since the organization noticed an attendance of 330 students. It is estimated that if more 
commodious buildings were provided this attendance would range from 500 to 700 annu- 
ally. The faculty is composed of fifteen educators, headed by J. K. Williams, A. M., Presi- 
dent, and J. H. Talton, B. S., Secretary. The degrees given are A. B., B. S. and B. D., 
the curriculum being on a par with similar college institutes, also includes agricultural 
and industrial training. Several of the agricultural exhibits have taken first prize at 
fairs, and the printing department took second prize at Dallas. A department of Carpen- 
try is successfully operated. 

Much of the progress of the school is attributed by the A. M. E. Church people and 
others to the able management of Dr. I. M. Burgan, who took the presidency of the college 
the third year of its existence. Bishop Smith succeeded during this last year in raising 
and liquidating a large mortgaged indebtedness which had hung over the property for 
about thirty years. The property is now worth $125,000.00. 

This school has furnished the Afro-American race with many of its best teachers and 
has furnished the church to which it belongs with many of its stronge.st preachers and 
most active pastors, as well as giving to the race many prominent men in all profes- 
sional callings. Despite the fact that on an average the church to which the college belongs 
is a comparatively poor one and the college has had a fierce struggle for advancement and 
a real struggle for life itself, it is regarded as one of the most successful colleges of the 
Southwest. The college is regarded by the best people of Waco and wherever it is known 
as a potent factor in the uplift of the race. 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 79 




THE FULLNESS OF TIME 




The Great Jehovah, in the "Fullness of Time," 
When all was chaos, without reason or rhyme, 
Touched the world with finger sublime, 

And breathed in us the breath of life. 

Within each one a spirit was born, 
A beauty, this cold, dumb clay to adorn. 
And the world of darkness and death was shorn. 
And the pulse of each was rife 

With thoughts of beauty and things divine. 
With the light of Love in each heart to shine ; 
And all was mine and all was thine. 

Till dread Sin, with its hydra head 

Came into our midst with noisome tread 
And brought to our hearts a mortal dread. 
And broken then was the golden thread 
That bound us to eternal life. 

Since then in the "Fullness of Time" again, 
Jehovah in the form of lowly man. 
Came to repair the broken strand 

That was cut by Sin's dread knife. 

And now each one in his lowly way, 
Tho, still, helpless bound in lifeless clay, 
Can look forward to the glorious day 
When Eden shall come once more. 

No matter the race or tribe or skin. 
The Master has said "Ye shall enter in," 
And we are brothers and all are kin, 
Each bound for the other shore. 

Each belongs to the brotherhood of man ; 
The Fatherhood of God all tribes shall span. 
For this is Jehovah's cherished plan. 
And we are a part of Him. 

Part and parcel of things sublime. 
And in the "Fullness" again of "Time," 
All will be Love and reason and rhyme, 
With Japhet and Hain and Shem. 



80 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 




J. B. Bell's Residence, 2121 German Street. 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 81 




On Christmas Day, 1858, there was born in Macon, Georgia, a child, under auspices 
almost as humble as were those of that other babe in Bethlehem of Judea, of whom we 
have it, — 

"And this shall be a sign unto you ; ye shall find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, 
lying in a manger." 

Auspices almost as humble, for his parents had not the blessing of human liberty. 
But brilliant promise and a long life of usefulness were as an unseen halo around this 
young Negro boy's head and a fond mother named him John Brown, in gratitude to 
one who had risked all for a down-trodden race. She named him this, little knowing that 
it was prophetic of her child's future prominence as a civilian and of his public-spirited- 
ness as a Christian gentleman. 



BORN IN SLAVERY. i 

At the early age of six months his mother and father were torn asunder by the 
heart-breaking code of human slavery. The mother was brought with her children to 
Galveston, Texas, July, 1859. Immediately she was sold to Thomas Woods of Moscow, 
Polk County, Texas, at which place she was emancipated when her son, John Brown, 
reached the age of seven years. The third year thereafter his mother moved to Hous- 
ton, where she died June 10, 1868, and was buried here. The young orphaned boy was 
cared for by a brother, Horace Bell, who died some years since. 



HIS EDUCATION. 

"Books in the running brooks. 
Sermons in stones — And good in everything." 

That it is true that all education is not found in books, is proven in the life of J. B. 
Bell, for he learned life's hardest lessons, not from the library or the university, but from 
stern contact with adversity. His school training covered the short period of three years 
and six months. The three years were spent in the public schools of Houston, Texas. At 
that point he had to go to work for himself. Much later, in his young manhood, he 
attended night schcjol in Calvert, Texas, for three months, and when the teacher resigned, 
had so well qualified himself for the position that he was unanimously selected by the 
other students as teacher. In October of that year he entered Tillotson College, Austin, 
Texas, and remained there for three months, until the Christmas holidays. 

HIS BUSINESS TRAINING. 

He received his business training with the lirm of Bell & Thornton, which firm con- 
ducted a grocery .store in the Fifth Ward of Houston, Texas. This firm dissolved part- 
nership in 1875 and the ambitious young boy was thrown out of employment at the age 
of thirteen years. Ambitious to support himself, he secured a position to attend the horse 



82 THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 

and buggy of Dr. G. A. McDonell, of Houston, Texas, which position he held for three 
years, 1875 to 1878, at a wage of $5.00 per month. 

September 15th. 1878, he left thi.s position and went to Calvert, Texas, and was 
employed by his half-brother, L. W. Woods, in the grocery and restaurant business. He 
left this position to teach school in Robertson County, 1879 to 1881. It was in October 
of that year that he entered Tillotson College, and returned to Calvert to spend the 
Christmas holidays. He left Calvert on the night of December 31st and arrived in 
Houston January 1st, 1882. He entered the employment of Reuben Thornton, grocer, 
for a wage of $.30.00 per month and his board. He remained here one year and one day, 
when Mr. Thornton died, January 2, 1883. On January 15th, 1883, Mr. Bell bought the 
business of Mrs. Thornton for $315.00. This business he conducted for thirteen years 
and nine months, and sold it out to L. W. Woods, April, 1896. At that time he entered 
fully into the real estate business on his own account. At this time he had a rental 
income of $216.00 a month. By patience, thrift and business foresight he has increased 
his business to a present rental income of over $600.00 a monch. 

HIS MARRIAGE TO MISS ALLEN. 

In 1896 he began courting Miss Venora Allen, daughter of the Honorable Richard 
Allen, and they were happily married July, 1900. Before the marriage he had erected a 
modern residence of seven rooms, and it was in readiness to welcome his bride. Since 
that time he has increased the home to one of ten rooms. 

It is a palatial residence, richly furnished, front and back stairways, double parlors 
opening into a spacious entrance hall and continuing the reception suite into the library 
and dining room. The sleeping apartments are upstairs, built along lines of Southern 
architecture, with sweeping verandas about. The home is valued at $5,000.00. 

Mrs. Bell is a sweet and gracious matron, who rejoices in extending hospitality to 
her numerous friends. Handsome, winning in disposition, affable and pleasant, she is 
a hostess whose invitations are received with pleasure and every recipient thereof is 
assured of a welcome, hearty and sincere. 

SOCIETY CONNECTIONS. 

In 1885 Mr. Bell was elected Master of Solomon Lodge of the United Brothers of 
Friendship, and served in this capacity twenty-five years. During that time the body 
bought one-half interest in a three-story hall, at a cost of over $5,000.00. He has attended 
many sessions of the Grand Lodge of U. B. of F.'s, and has represented his local order 
there. He is now a member of the Board of Commissioners of the Grand Lodge of U. B. 
of F.'s of the State of Texas along with four other estimable gentlemen, viz: W. F. 
Bledsoe, Grand Master; F. W. Gross, Grand Secretary; Joe Nichols, Grand Treasurer; 
N. E. Jones (of Gonzales), J. B. Bell. 

At his recommendation two brick buildings on Milam Street, within one-half block 
of the City Market, were purchased by the U. B. of F.'s at a cost of $150,000.00. He 
yet helps to supervise the rentals of that property and its maintenance. 

He has been elected twice as Chancellor Commander of True Friends Lodge, Knights 
of Pythias, of the City of Houston, and has often represented his local order in Grand 
Lodge. Mr. Bell is also a member of the Masonic Magnolia Lodge No. 2. 

NATIONAL NEGRO BUSINESS LEAGUE. 

In 1906, in company with the Reverend Jno. Covington of Houston, Texas, Mr. Bell 
visited the National Negro Business League at Atlanta, Georgia. The following year he 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 83 

attended the session of the same League at Topeka, Kansas. He addressed the gathering 
in a pleasing and forceful manner on the subject of Real Estate and Loans. So profound- 
ly impressed were his auditors that they hailed his address with thunderous applause, and 
at that sitting elected Mr. Bell as a member of the executive committee of the National 
Negro Business League, of which Mr. Booker T. Washington, the sage of Tuskegee, is 
president. He is still a member of that body and has attended all of its sessions since 
that date. 

In January of 1910 the executive committee met in the City of New York and while 
there they were guests in the home of Mr. Andrew Carnegie, philanthropist, for two 
hours. 

HIS PUBLIC-SPIRITEDNESS. 

A few years ago Mr. Emmett J. Scott wrote Rev. W. H. Logan that Houston could 
get a public library for colored citizens. Several meetings were held and, among others, 
Mr. Bell was interested. Committees were formed and sent to visit Mayor Rice of the 
City of Houston, and seemingly the committee made no headway. Mr. T. H. Fairchild 
requested J. B. Bell to go and see the Mayor as he knew him personally. He went and 
requested Mayor Rice to make an appropriation of $1,500.00 a year to maintain the 
Library, since Mr. Carnegie's requirements for establishing such an institution in a given 
city were that the said city should furnish the sum of $1,500.00 yearly for the upkeep of 
the Library. Mayor Rice requested that they buy the ground first. 

When this was reported to the citizens in a meeting, J. B. Bell was made chairman of 
the purchasing committee. He w-ent to St. James Lodge No. 6, of which W. E. Jones was 
the Worthy Master, and coupled with his aid, he purchased a lot on the corner of Fred- 
erick and Robin Streets, Fourth Ward, at a cost of $1,500.00. The committee had only 
$500.00 on hand at that time and Mr. Bell offered to loan them $1,000.00. They accepted 
the loan and the lot was purchased of the Lodge for that amount, and he afterward, with 
others, helped to solicit the money to repay the loan. After the deed was received from the 
Lodge, he visited Mayor Rice and showed the deed and immediately the appropriation of 
$1,500.00 yearly was made. That being completed, he took up correspondence with W. 
Sidney Pittman of Washington, D. C, to draw the plans and specifications for the build- 
ing at a cost of $750.00 for the plans and superintendence of the construction, with Mr. 
Bell as assistant superintendent, until completion of the building. 

A Board of Trustees, of which he is a member, was formed, and he was also elected 
as business manager. 

This pi-ominent corner was secured for the location of the Library and soon a modern 
structure was reared "to help turn the darkness into day" for the Negro. It stands, a 
beautiful home of culture, of concrete and brick, ornamental, well-designed, with well- 
kept grass plots, shrubbery, flowers and baskets of fern, — 

"Learning's pleasant seat," — 

a source of pride to the Negro population of Houston and a credit to any people. It 
furnishes employment to a Librarian, an Assistant Librarian and a Janitor. 

Mr. Bell was also elected Treasurer of this Board, which position he has held continu- 
ously from the beginning. He makes a monthly report to the Mayor of Houston and also 
a yearly report of finances which amount to $1,500.00 a year. 

For fourteen years Mr. Bell was a member of the Board of Trustees and Treasurer 
of Emancipation Park Association. He has served once as Secretary* and once as Presi- 



84 THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 

dent during that term of years. W. E. Jones was President of the Board at that time and 
all improvements that Emancipation Park has known were established during that time, 
the building of fences, two pavilions, restaurants and the construction of the race track. 

Several years after the ministration of that Board, a new Board was elected with 
H. M. Freeman as President. They borrowed $3,000.00 from H. Masterson of Houston, 
Texas, to be paid within three years, $1,000,00 a year with interest at 10 per cent. The 
first note of the series. No. 1, fell due on May 19. 1914, and the Board did not have the 
money to pay it. They reported to Mr. Bell that they had tried all over Houston to get 
some one to take it up and were unable to find anyone. They came to him on the 18th of 
May. Against the Emancipation Park at this time were two suits pending in the courts 
of Houston, and his attorney advised him not to make the loan. He did so, however, over 
his objections, and readily consented to take up the note and thus saved the foreclosure 
on the land. He said: "I would rather lose $1,000.00 than see my people lose their Park." 
Since that time the Board has paid $1,000.00, without interest to Mr. Bell, and he stands 
ready to pay the other $2,000.00, if by chance they can not meet the other notes on the 
date, rather than see the colored people lose their Park. 

The Colored Federated Charities, an organization which co-operates with the white 
organization of like nature and has for its purpose helping the unfortunate and poverty- 
stricken of our race, appointed a committee to see the County Commissioners Court and 
request an appropriation of $5,000.00 for the establishment of a Farm School for Delin- 
quent Colored Youths. The request was readily granted. The following men served on 
that committee: J. B. Bell, Sam Wilson, J. J. Hardeway, Nat Q. Henderson. Mr. Bell 
holds the position also of Acting Vice President of the Association and the Hon. Rufus 
Cage, President of the Houston School Board, is President. 

The Judge of the County Commissioners Court, Hon. W. H. Ward, suggested to the 
committee that they see the Mayor and request a similar appropriation. They did so 
during the month of November, 1914, and on December 24, 1914, the Mayor, Hon. Mr. 
Ben H. Campbell, said that he and the City Commissioners had concluded to join with 
the county and make another appropriation of $5,000.00 for Colored Delinquent Youths. 
The Mayor assured Mr. Bell that he would see the County Judge at once and make the 
purchase of the ground, one hundred acres for the school and all necessary improvements, 
and they felt that their persistent eff'orts had been greatly rewarded. To say that their 
gratitude to the Mayor and City Commissioners, the Judge and County Commissioners 
was great would be expressing it mildly. A typewritten letter of appreciation was pre- 
sented to each gentleman and a box of cigars with Christmas greetings along with it. The 
following compose the gentlemen who united in passing on this kind of expression of 
their appreciation : Mr. J. B. Bell, Mr. Nat Q. Henderson, Mr. Sam Wilson and Prof. 
Jas. D. Ryan, and these are the city and county officials who were the recipients of the 
same: City Commissioners of Houston — Messrs. J. J. Pastoriza, H. A. Halverton, Dave 
Fitzgerald, Matt Drennan. County Commissioners are: Messrs. V. Barker, W. H. Lloyd, 
W. H. Reiser, W. A. Smith. An excerpt from the letter of appreciation is that, — 

"We take occasion to express our thanks and appreciation to you, individually and 
collectively, for your attitude in concluding to make an appropriation for the establish- 
ment of a Farm Training School for Delinquent Youths. 

"We assure you that our people appreciate most highly your efforts to ameliorate 
their condition in this particular, and we all note with pride your concern and interest 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 85 

in doing things which tend toward the progressiveness of our city, not omitting our own 
people, even." 

J. B. BELL, Acting Vice-President. 

NAT Q. HENDERSON, Supt. 

JAS. D. RYAN, Secretary. 

Mr. J. B. Bell was chairman of a movement for colored citizens, the parallel of 
which America has not known. Prof. J D. Ryan, Nat Q. Henderson, Sam Wilson and 
J. B. Bell worked as heroes in a movement that brought Christmas cheer to Houston's poor 
children, in that great, public building, the Auditorium, along with the hearty co-operation 
of such estimable gentlemen as Hon. Ben H. Campbell, Mayor of Houston, and Rev. W. S. 
Lockhart. No other city throws open the doors to its most splendid building to white and 
black alike and extends to the citizens equal charity, as does Houston. Provisions and 
clothing for the poor were given. The schools were interested and had collected many 
gifts for the unfortunate. 

The following resolutions were offered by the chairman, J. B. Bell : 
"Whereas, The City of Houston, through the instrumentality of Dr. Lockhart and its 
Mayor, Hon. Ben Campbell, acting through the City Council, has seen fit to furnish a 
Christmas tree to the colored citizens of the city ; and 

Whei'eas, This is the instance the like of which has not occurred within the United 
States of America ; and 

Whereas, It has granted the use of the spacious Auditorium for the occasion ; and 
Whereas, A large number of white citizens have in various ways contributed to the 
success of the movement ; be it 

Resolved, That we do by a vote of thanks express our sincere appreciation to the City 
of Houston, to Dr. Lockhart and all who in the spirit of Christ, Whose birthday we cele- 
brate, have in any way by word or deed assisted in this great unprecedented and unparal- 
leled manifestation of charitv. 

J. B. BELL, Chairman. 
J. L GILMORE. 
NAT Q. HENDERSON. 
W. J. SMITH. 
E. 0. SMITH." 

Mr. Bell is a deacon of Antioch Baptist Church and has been Treasurer of same 
church for several years. 

He is the owner of a large seven-passenger Cadillac, the cut of which appears in 
these pages, and he and his wife are generous dispensers of their hospitality with the 
same. They purchased a large car so ss to be able to carry their friends along with them 
on their pleasure jaunts and across-country tours. A noted instance of their generosity 
with their automobile is proven in the fact that they have, on several occasions, loaned it 
to the family of Dr. G. A. McDonell, a white gentleman, now in modest circumstances, 
but one to whom Mr. Bell feels that he owes a great deal for his start in life, having once 
been in his employment. 

Mr. Bell is a modest, unassuming man, who goes about among his fellows, smiling and 
cheerful, upright and fearless, king over his word, with no tinge of hauteur in his makeup, 
humble as the least of them. 

Thanking God for his blessings, trusting in Him for the future, he shares his bless- 
ings with his fellowmen. He possesses that rare gift that well becomes any man, in any 
station of life, the pleasing trait of remembering faces well. One man said of him recent- 
ly : "He is one of nature's noblemen. He is a citizen who meets the most humble in that 
cordial manner which says : 'Truly, I am glad to meet you.' " 



86 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 




COL. WILLIAM WYNDON. 



Colonel Wni. Wyndon — Cabinet-maker; 1620 Pannell. Born in Shreveport, La., in 1868; attended 
Straites University of New Orleans one year. Came to Houston in 1S94. Married Miss Helen Garland 
in 1894. Professed religion in ISSO and joined Sloan Memorial M. E. Church in 1S9.5. Was made an 
Odd Fellow In 1896; Knight of Pythias in 1907; U. B. of F. in 1906; A. F. & A. M. in 1912; Pilgrim in 
1910. At present holding offices In the following orders: Lieut. Col. in command of the Ninth Patri- 
arch Regiment of Texas G. U. O. 0. F; Major of the Second Battalion, First Regiment of Texas K. of 
P.; Knight Commander of the Knights of Friendship of the Jurisdiction of Texas, U. B. of F. Locally: 
P. S. of Summer Lodge No. 4021, G. U. 0. O. F.; K. of R. and S., Washington Lodge No. 88, K. of P.; 
W. S. of South Gate Lodge No. 195, U. B. of F.; Worthy Shepherd of Myrtle Spray Sanctuary No. 281, 
A. O. of P.; Grand Secretary of Past Grand Masters Council No. 75, G. U. O. O. F.; Worthy Patriarch 
Recorder of Houston Patriarch No. 159, G. U. 0. 0. F. 




High School Corner San Felipe and Predericlt Streets. 




I'aul Lawrence Dunbar School, Glass and Liberty Streets. 



88 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 







c 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



89 







90 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 





Harrisburg School. 



Mrs. S. U. Kay. Principal 



WO(h 'xS'P 9X^ 



cOojb Wojh y^'P vS.'P v^^ yA"^ 9X<P v°^ 




Harris County School Teachers. 



1. 


-Mrs. Emma Raj- 


10. 


Mi58 Ida L. Oreen 


19. 


Mrs. V. A. DeWalt 


27 


Mr, L. W, Haynes 


2. 


Mrs. Van H. MeKinney 


11. 


.Mrs. Olivia Mitchell 


20. 


Miss Natalie (ireen 


28 


Miss Annie Di.Kon 


3. 


Miss Pearl Parker 


12. 


Mrs. 8. G. Kay 


21. 


Miss Mamie Curry 


29. 


Miss Annie Verrette 


4. 


Miss Helen EdkIU 


13. 


Mrs. Ardalia lioone 


22. 


Mrs. I. M. Mitchell 


30. 


Miss Nancy Cook 


5. 


Miss Rul.y Sholars 


U. 


Mrs. N, E, .lackson 


23. 


Miss 0. A. Mason 


31. 


Mr. (». L, Hubbard 


ti. 


Miss Marie A. Spencer 


l.'i. 


Miss Eu{:enia (^ohb 


24. 


Mr. Geo. B. Sanders 


32. 


Miss Veniella Karris 


■!. 


Mrs, Maud L. Palmer 


16. 


Miss (Georgia Hiickner 


2;-!. 


Mr. Herbert Mitchell 


33. 


Mr, J.T. Thompson 


H. 


Miss Lottie Alfnvd 


17. 


Mrs. Milton (iriffiu 


26. 


Mr. C. C. Tate 


34. 




9. 


Mrs. Rosa Lee Easter 


18, 


Mr, Fisher liarnes 











THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



91 




HIGH SCHOOL— CORNER SAN FELIPE AND FREDERICK. 



NAME. POSITION. 

Jas. D. Ryan Principal 

P. H. Holden History 

A. V. Strickland Algebra 

V. B. Miller ..Latin 

Viola Webber English 

W. L. D. Johnson Science 

E. D. Pierson ...Seventh Grade 

R. G. Lockett High Sixth Grade 

G. E. Morrow Low Sixth Grade 

Mary J. Holden Domestic Science 

R. M. Catchings Manual Training 

J. H. Rievas Mechanical Drawing 



ADDRESS. 
2007 Hamilton 

2917Turner 

215 Robin 

217 Robin 

319 Robin 

2415 Dowling 

318 Robin 

2613 Nance 
215 Robin 

2917 Turner 

2618 Rice 

....: 2003 Live Oak 

Cecelia Scott Domestic Science 2721 Opelousas 

Theresa Matthews Supernumerary 912 Lamb 



FRED DOUGLASS SCHOOL— CORNER McGOWEN AND LIVE OAK. 

NAME. POSITION. ADDRESS. 

W. S. Francis Principal 1815 Jackson 

C. F. Smith Arithmetic 3201 Center 

Rachael Pendleton English 2402 St. Charles 

Daisy Crafton History and Geography 2301 McGowan 

La Bertha Perry Reading 1212 Robin 

Mae E. Smith Fourth Grade 2302 St. Charles 

Florida Williams Third Grade 1314 Railroad 

Maggie Hearne Third Grade 2320 Dowling 

Mabel Oler Low Third Grade 3602 Preston 

Melissa Price Low Third Grade 2319 Dowling 

Lucile Bryant : Low Third Grade 219 Stratford 

Delia M. Booker Second Grade 2116 Dowling 

Trula Jones Second Grade 1204 Andrews 

Lucy Booker _ High First Grade 2116 Dowling 

Annie M. White First Grade 1614 Sherman 

M. B. Everett ..First Grade 611 Calhoun 

Edna Millard Supernumerary 108 Denver 

P. Williams Supernumerary 1715 Ennis 



GREGORY SCHOOL 

NAME. POSITION. 

W. E. Miller Principal 

S. B. Williams Low Fifth Grade 

Simonetta Criner High Fourth Grade 



CORNER CLEVELAND AND WILSON. 

ADDRESS. 
310 Robin 
1412 Cleveland 
913 Cleveland 



92 THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 

GREGORY SCHOOL— Continued 

NAME. POSITION. ADDRESS. 

Lillian Clark Low Fourth Grade 1416 Grove 

Fannie Alexander High Third Grade 1218 Wilson 

Nellie Johnson Low Third Grade 618 Robin 

Mary McCarter Second Grade 1712 Houston Ave. 

Willie Blount High Second Grade 611 Robin 

Wessie Grimes Low Second Grade 2419 Chenevert 

Bessie A. Neal First Grade 1720 Edwards 

Euretta Fairchild High First Grade 2019 Dallas 

Alice Johnson Low First Grade 2415 Dowling 

Ada B. Price Low First Grade 1102 West 

Edna Banks 3110 St. Charles 

Mamie Robinson Supernumerary 519 Robin 

PAUL L. DUNBAR SCHOOL— CORNER CLARK AND LIBERTY. 

NAME. POSITION. ADDRESS. 

B. H. Grimes Principal 2419 Chenevert 

B. H. Watson Sixth Grade _ 1018 Fuller 

Dora Johnson : High Fourth and Low Fifth 3004 Live Oak 

Tommie Lee Fourth Grade .•. 1503 Maury 

Penny Collins High Third Grade 909 St. Charles 

Ollie Phillips Low Third Grade 2303 McGowen 

Pearle Parker High Second Grade 1205 Robin 

Bertha Crawford Low Second Grade 99 Hill 

Vincy Keys First Grade 13151/2 Congress 

Emma J. Jones First Grade 2020 St. Emanuel 

Maud Connor Low First Grade 1018 Hiii 

Selma Perry Supernumerary 1212 Robin 

Rebecca Ransom Supernumerary 

BOOKER T. WASHINGTON SCHOOL— BINGHAM AND COLORADO. 

NAME. POSITION. ADDRESS. 

E. O. Smith Principal : 1214 O'Neil 

Reva Green Fifth Grade 1910 La Branch 

E. S. Kennard Fourth Grade 1009 Robin 

Minnie Milligan Third Grade 1205 Andrew 

Bessie Love Second Grade 906 Andrew 

Narcissa Hill First Grade 407 San Felipe 

Mamie Robey Supernumerary 1509 La Branch 

LANGSTON GRADE SCHOOI^-GERMAN STREET. 

NAME. POSITION. ADDRESS. 

W. J. Smith Principal 1310 Sherman 

V. P. Waiters Sixth Grade 3012 Polk 

Etta O'Neill Fifth Grade 

D.E.Miller Fourth Grade 1712 Smith 

Earlie Lawrence ;. Third Grade 2102 Dowling 

Ellouise Matthews Third Grade 3442 Dennis 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 93 

LAXGSTON GRADE SCHOOL— Continued 

NAME. POSITION. ADDRESS. 

W. B. Anderson Second Grade 2912 Liberty 

Ivor Webb First Grade 2109 Liberty 

Cadie S. Wilson First Grade 2403 Rusk 

Laura E. Payne Domestic Science .-. 2106 Jefferson 

Lois Fortson Supernumerary 

LUCKIE GRADE SCHOOL— LAMAR AND RICE STREETS. 

NAME. POSITION. ADDRESS. 

J. N. Dodson Principal 1305 Andrews 

A. W. H.Lee Sixth Grade 2901 Shepherd 

W. E. Brandon Low Fifth Grade 3071/2 San Felipe 

Mable Fairchild Low Fourth Grade 2019 Dallas 

Josephine Taylor Third Grade 2410 Dallas 

Sallie Hogan Third Grade 2215 Tuam 

Lydia Hawkins Second Grade 1407 Cook 

Mary J. Tolbert Low First Grade 2712 Capitol 

Jno. Blount Manual Training 1710 Live Oak 

Willie Belle Parker Supernumerary 910 Robin 

B. K. BRUCE SCHOOL— BREMOND AND CONTI STREETS. 

NAME. POSITION. ADDRESS. 

Nat Q. Henderson Principal 3019 Nance 

J. C. Sanderson Third Grade 3004 Live Oak 

Uxenia Scott Third Grade 2721 Opelousas 

Celia Scott Second Grade 2721 Opelousas 

Sallie May First Grade 2303 Freeman 

Cora Conway Supernumerary .1601 Jackson 

FRANCIS HARPER SCHOOL— CHANEYVILLE. 

NAME. POSITION. ADDRESS. 

G. B. M. Turner Principal 1307 Andrew 

Hattie Prevost Third Grade '. 1303 Andrew 

Jewell Taylor 2604 McKinney 

Rosa Watson First and Second Grades 1018 Fuller 

Illma Lawrence Supernumerary 2101 Dowling 

HOLLYWOOD SCHOOI^— WASHINGTON AVENUE. 

NAME. POSITION. ADDRESS. 

Mable Wesley First and Second Grades 1014 Hill 

Adine J. Scott First Grade 1014 Hill 

GLEN COVE SCHOOL— SCOTT STREET. 

NAME. POSITION. ADDRESS. 

J. H. Berry Principal 

Sarnie 0. King First and Second Grades 1415 Saulnier 

GREEN POND SCHOOL— SAN FELIPE ROAD. 

NAME. POSITION. ADDRESS. 

Maggie Chester Teacher 910 Heiner 

BRAY'S BAYOU SC^HOOL- ALMEDA ROAD. 

NAME. POSITION. ADDRESS. 
Mrs. Adele B. Jones Teacher 



94 THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 

M. H. BROYLES. 

M. H. Broyles was born in Anderson County, South Carolina, November 10, 1863, 
the eleventh of eighteen children born of the union of Robert and Malinda Broyles. 

In childhood he attended the public schools of his native county, entered Claflin Uni- 
versity, South Carolina Agricultural College and Mechanics' Institute in the fall of 1882, 
from which institution he was graduated with honors on May 23, 1888. 

In the summer of 1888 he came to Te.xas, adopting the Lone Star State as his future 
home; taught a county school in McLennan County during the winter of 1888-89, having 
distinguished himself as a ripe and thorough scholar in his first examination at Waco, 
Texas, in October, 1888. During the summer of 1889 he taught Mathematics in the Waco 
Summer Normal Institute, was elected Secretary of the Colored Men's Convention of 
Te.xas, and after winning in competitive examination, was elected to the principalship of 
the Brenham High School for the term of 1889-90. 

In June, 1890, he was elected to the associate principalship of the Prairie View State 
Normal and Industrial College of Texas, resigning the position three years later to accept 
the principalship of the Hearne Academy Normal and Industrial Institute, which posi- 
tion he resigned in 1896 to accept the chair of Mathematics in the Prairie View State Nor- 
mal and Industrial College of Texas, filling the same until 1904, when he left the profession 
of teaching to make preparation to enter the practice of the law, being admitted to the 
Texas Bar on August 12, 1905, and to the United States District and Circuit Courts on 
March 8, 1906, and has since practiced law in Houston, Texas, where he enjoys the confi- 
dence of the bench and bar. 

In 1891 he represented the State of Texas as one of the delegates to the Internation- 
al Educational Association at Toronto, Canada, was elected President of the Colored State 
Teachers' Association of Texas in 1895, conducted the State School of Methods at Hous- 
ton, Texas, in 1899 ; organized the Texas Negro Convention of Texas in 1902, and organ- 
ized and established the Orgen Realty & Investment Company in 1903. 

Was on the delegation from the State at large to the National Republican Conven- 
tion at Chicago in 1912, and was the Republican nominee for the State Legislature of Texas 
from Harris County in 1914. Established and published the Texas Independent from 
1894 to 1896. 

On the 10th day of August, A. D. 1897, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary 
J. Moore, the sole surviving daughter of A. L. Moore of Austin, Texas, and of this union 
eight (8) children have been born, to-wit : Theresa Ruth, Grace Beatrice, Mary Han- 
netta, Theodore Frederick (who died in infancy), Portia Louise, Robbie Lee, Major Han- 
non, Jr., and Agnes Valeria. 

In religion Mr. Broyles is a Baptist, never having formally severed his connection 
with his mother church — Mount Zion Baptist Church of Belton, South Carolina. 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



95 




M. H. Broyles and Family and litsidt- jk t-. San Felipe Road. 



96 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



=□= 



CLUBS ^/^^ LODGES 



B-- 



ANCIENT ORDER OF PILGRIMS. 

Victoria, No. 1 ; Hearts of Oak, No. 2 ; Hardy, No. 4 ; Rose of Sharon, No. 12 ; Lily of 
the Valley, No. 13; Golden Rule, No. 16; Faithful Laborers, No. 34; Golden Sceptre, Nc. 
36; Earnest Workers, No. 37; Olive Leaf, No. 39; Pride of Houston, No. 109: Star of 
East, No. 172 ; Silver Circle, No. 177 ; Olive Branch, No. 203 ; Prosperous, No. 210 ; Phoe- 
nix, No. 213 ; Morning Glory, No. 223 ; Saint Carmac, Houston Heights, No. 228 ; Chaney- 
ville Pride, No. 235 : Earnest Seekers, No. 240 ; Joel, Brunner, No. 246 ; Taft, No. 263 ; 
Sunshine, No. 264 ; True Friends, No. 273 ; Nimrod, No. 274 ; Pride of Antioch, No. 277 ; 
Myrtle Spray, No. 281 ; Theola, No. 301 ; Hiram, No. 303 ; Dunbar, No. 304 ; Independent, 
No. 311. 

GRAND UNITED ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS. 

The G. U. 0. of 0. F. was organized in Houston in 1881, August 16th, making Odd 
Fellowship 34 years old. At that time it was very small, but since then it has grown very 
strong financially and numerically. There are several local bodies. The men's department 
numbers about 600, the women's department about the same. The Odd Fellows own a 
very nice hall and rent house which is valued at about $5,000. The hall is located at the 
corner of Crosby and Hobson Streets. Their regular anniversary is August 16th. Their 
annual Thanksgiving is the second Sunday in May of each year. The G. U. 0. of O. F. 
has two classes of policies, $300.00 and $500.00, also they give a $75.00 funeral outside of 
the policies. The G. U. 0. of 0. F., Council No. 75, in Houston. 

United Sons of Liberty Lodge, No. 1946 ; Golden Shield Lodge, No. 2082 : Summer 
Lodge, No. 4021; Golden Rule Lodge, No. 6392; Damascus Lodge, No. 7188; Silver Rock 
Lodge, No. 7773 ; Gold Spar Lodge, No. 7775 ; Light of Houston Lodge, No. 7776 ; Reber- 
ta Lodge, Houston Heights, No. 7952 ; Paul Dunbar Lodge, No. 9394. 



KNIGHTS AND DAUGHTERS OF TABOR. 

Earnest Workers' Temple, No. 12 ; Good Will Temple, No. 27 ; Smith Temple, No. 50 
E. M. Fisher Temple, No. 105 ; C. E. W. Day Temple, No. 130 : St. Clair Temple, No. 145 
Bright Light Temple, No. 249 ; Mt. Ararat Temple. No. 295 ; Heights Temple, No. 363 
Brunner Temple, No. 373; Moses Temple, No. 393; Dunbar Temple, No. 514. 



KNIGHTS AND DAUGHTERS OF TABOR. 

Golden Gate Tabernacle, No. 28 ; Elector Tabernacle, No. 30 ; True Daughters Taber- 
nacle, No. 45; Marechal Neil Rose Tabernacle, No. 50; Queen Esther Tabernacle, No. 59; 
Earnest Workers Tabernacle, No. 78; Reedy Tabernacle, No. 82; Sarah Hazel Taber- 
nacle, No. L'J; S. E. Johnson Tabernacle, No. 112, Prince Albert Rose Tabernacle, No. 
135 ; Mittie Ama Tabernacle, No. 170 ; Golden Day Tabernacle, No. 174 ; Willing Workers 
Tabernacle, No. 175 ; Queen of the South Tabernacle, No. 186 ; True Friend Tabernacle, 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 97 

No. 230 ; Lone Star Tabernacle, No. 259 ; Alpha Tabernacle, No. 276 ; Sarah Haskell Tab- 
ernacle, No. 368; Industrial Tabernacle, No. 379; Metropolitan Tabernacle, No. 456; 
Ruble's Pride Tabernacle, No. 455 ; Oreo Leaf Tabernacle, No. 474 ; Lowe's Faithful 
Tabernacle, No. 529 : Royal Tabernacle, No. 553 ; American Beauty Tabernacle, No. 579 ; 
Queen Daughters Tabernacle, No. 650 ; Magdalene Tabernacle, No. 778 ; Progress Taber- 
nacle, No. 794 ; Francis Ford Tabernacle, No. . 



KNIGHTS AND DAUGHTERS OF TABOR. 

Silver Leaf Tent, No. 4 ; True Love Tent, No. 206 ; Ford's Tent, No. 212 ; Garvin's 
Tent, No. 316. 

KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS. 

Sheet Anchor Lodge, No. 19 ; Gold Spur Lodge, No. 62 ; Washington Lodge, No. 88 ; 
True Friend lodge, No. 119; Pythian Pride Lodge, No. 135; Golden Eagle Lodge, No. 
181, Harrisburg; Pride of Houston Lodge No. 211; Pythagorian Lodge, No. 267; Bright 
Star Lodge, No. 283; Mt. Olive Lodge, No. 303; Stark's Memorial Lodge, No. 411. 



KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS (COURTS). 

Hernyson Court, No. 4 ; Dixon Court, No. 46 ; Stellida Pride Court, No. 80 ; Markham 
Rose Court, No. 134; Zenith Court, No. 221 ; Timberlake Court, No. 260. 



MASONIC LODGES OF HOUSTON. 

Magnolia Lodge, No. 3 : Silver Trowel Lodge, No. 47 ; Maple Leaf Lodge, No. 147 ; 
Smithsonian Lodge, No. 155; True Level Lodge, No. 226; Heights Lodge, No. 280; City of 
Refuge Lodge, No. 287. 

HEROINES OF JERICHO. 

Mrs. R. A. Winn, M. A. G. M., Chapel Hill, Texas; Miss Annie B. Isaacs, M. A. D. G. 
M., Bremond, Texas; Mrs. N. S. Mosley, S. G. M., Fort Worth, Texas; Mrs. A. M. Foster,' 
J. G. M., Denison, Te.xas ; Hon. W. M. McDonald, W. G. J., Fort Worth, Texas ; Mrs. R. G. 
McKinney, A. G. T., Sherman, Texas; Mrs. A. Z. Hester, A. G. S., Houston, Texas; Mrs. O. 
V. E. Barlett, R. G. S., Prairie View, Texas. 

Mrs. A. Z. Hester has been the former Grand Matron for five years; after serving for 
four years as M. G. A. she resigned to accept the office she now holds. The H. of J. is 
noted throughout the length and breadth of this country for the many deeds of kindness to 
the sufl^ering. There are four local Courts in the City of Houston, as follows: Hester 
Court, No. 57 ; Valley of Eadon Court, No. 84 ; Pearly Gate Court, No. 98. and Corinthia 
Court, No. 147. 

UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 

The United Brothers of Friendship was organized August 1, 1861, by Marshall W. 
Taylor, W. H. Gipson, W. N. Hazelton, Charles B. Morgan, William Lawson, William 
Anderson, Wallace Jones and others of Louisville, Kentucky. 

The officers of the Texas Branch of United Brothers of Friendship are : Grand 



98 THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 

Master, W. F. Bledsoe, Marshall; Deputy Grand Master, D. A. Starks, Hempstead; 
Grand Secretary, F. W. Gross, Houston; Grand Treasurer, Joseph Nichols, Houston. 

Up to the first day of January, 1915, it had collected for widows and orphans 
$712,347.60, and for other purposes $250,000.00. Office building on the corner of Prai- 
rie and Milam Streets, Houston, Texas, is worth $200,000.00. Our annual receipts are 
$150,000.00 

The bonds, mortgage notes and other investments amount to $35,000.00, and the pro- 
ceeds from the rents and investments amount to $12,000.00 annually. 

UNITED BROTHERS OF FRIENDSHIP. 

St. James Lodge, No. 6; Solomon Lodge, No. 18; Harrison Lodge, No. 34; South 
Gate Lodge, No. 195 ; Leonidas Lodge, No. 203 ; Periander Lodge, No. 204 ; Selstin Lodge, 
No. 236 ; Foraker Lodge, No. 248 ; Star of Houston Lodge, No. 290 ; Men of Mark Lodge, 
No. 310. 



SISTERS OF THE MYSTERIOUS TEN. 

Rebecca Temple, No. 2; Goddess of Hope Temple, No. 11; Earnest Workers Temple, 
No. 37 ; Bethesda Temple, No. 56 ; Lone Star Temple, No. 57 ; Antioch Temple, No. 197 ; 
Beautiful Queen Temple, No. 203 ; Eastern Beauty Temple, No. 207 ; Venus Temple, No. 
208; True Workers Temple, No. 228; Houston Pride Temple, No. 239; St. Georgian 
Temple, No. 240 ; Hollywood Temple, No. 275 ; Rose Croix Temple, No. 276 ; Concordia 
Temple, No. 295. 

Married Ladies' Social Club — Mrs. H. J. Ewell, President; Mrs. L. Allen, Vice-Pres- 
ident. Meets once each month at the homes of the members for charity work. 

Magnolia Dramatic Club — Organized 1910. Object is to help church pay off debts 
and charity work. P. H. McClough, President; R. B. H. Yates, Manager; Mrs. P. H. 
Harmon, Secretary. 

Married Ladies' Progressive Club — Meets at members' homes second and fourth Fri- 
days. Mrs. F. J. Mitchell, President; Mrs. Jennie Clark, Treasurer; Mrs. L. S. Scott, 
Vice-President; Mrs. Annie McKinney, Secretary. 

Colored Woman's Fratricidal Club — Meets first Wednesday in each month at Social 
Rest Room, 4091/2 Milam Street. Mrs. M. L. Jones, President; Miss Hill, Vice-President; 
Mrs. A. L. Feagan, Secretary; Mrs. Mollie Washington, Assistant Secretary; Mrs. M. E. 
Miller, Treasurer. 

Hotel Men's Benevolent Association — Meets first and third Thursdays at 8:30 p. m. 
Odd Fellow Hall, corner Crosby and Hopson Streets. H. J. Mitchell, P^'esident; Will 
Danniels, Vice-President; Ed. Jones, Secretary; Donaly, Treasurer. 

Texas Negro Fair A.ssociation — Meets once each year at 714i/> Prairie Avenue. R. H. 
Hart, President; Jim Bulock, Vice-President; 0. M. Miller, Treasurer; H. J. Mitchell, 
Chairman of Trustee Board. 



LOCAL ORDERS OF THE HOUSEHOLD OF RUTH, G. U. 0. 0. F. 

Household No. 197 — Mrs. Dr. B. J. Covington, W. R., Dowling and Hadley. 

Household No. 219— Mrs. E. Sims, W. R., 2303 Clay Avenue. 

Household No. 1162— Mrs. Katie Lewis, W. R., 1614 Pannell Street. 

Household No. 3015— Mrs. Ella Daniel, W. R., Harrisburg, Texas. 

Household No. 4065— Mrs. I. E. Perry, W. R., 1212 Robin. 

Household No. 4236— Mrs. Mollie Washington, W. R., 1517 Colorado. 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



99 




Residence of Prof. W. E. Miller, 310 Robin Street. 






Mrs. W. K. Miller. 



Prof. W. E. Miller. 



Miss Lillian E. Miller. 



100 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 




The Piers on Family. 
Reading from left to right— E D. Pierson. Jr., E. D. Pierson, Sr., Mrs. I.. L. Pierson, Theodore D. Pierson and Enlalis V. Fierson 



Nine years ago Prof. E. D. Pierson and family came here from Pittsburg, Texas, where he was 
principal of the City School, to head the Literary Department of Houston College. The interesting 
sketch below of his earlier as well as his later career is self-explanatory, 

Mr. Edward Donahue Pierson, born of slave parentage, in the early 70's, joined the church of 
his mother's choice — Baptist — at the age of 15 years, and has been active in the religious, as well 
as the professional and business life of his people ever since. 

Having an insatiable appetite for knowledge in general, he soon looked beyond the meager advan- 
tages offered in the poorly conducted public schools of his native State (Louisiana) and landed, poverty- 
hobbled, in Bishop College, Marshall, Texas, January, 1892. While at first the better-favored "city 
chaps" were wont to poke fun at this "raw" country boy, he soon became deservedly popular with both 
the student body and faculty — the president, N. Wolverton, a white Northern man, took especial interest 
in him, gave him an opportunity to "work his way" through school and one of his confidential men 
in college affairs. 

It was during his college days, when he had not only to "work his way." but support a mother as 
well, that he learned the printer's trade and managed that department of the college along with other 
duties. He graduated from the professional course of Bishop College in 1895, and later returned and 
completed the college course in 1904, with the highest mark and honor of his class — receiving the 
degree of Bachelor of Science. 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



101 




Recently Built Residence of Prof. K. 1). Pierson, 31S Uobin tjtreet. 



As a teacher, Mr. Pierson stands among the first. He is now teacher in the Colored High School 
of Houston, Secretary State B. Y. P. U. Convention, Treasurer of St. James Lodge U. B. F. (possibly 
the richest In Texas), President Houston Negro Business League, Deacon Antioch Baptist Church, Man- 
ager and Treasurer of the Western Star Publishing Co., the biggest all-around printing plant (colored) 
in Texas, and Managing Editor of the Western Star, a seven-column, 8-page weekly, the mouthpiece of 
Texas Negro Baptists. 

Mr. Pierson is the happy father of three children — Miss Eulalia Viola, who graduated head of 
her class from the Houston Colored High School; Theodore D., in high tenth grade, and Edward Dona- 
hue, Jr., in low eighth grade. "Everybody works and father," seems to be the slogan of this interesting 
family. 

Unlike the average young man, Mr. Pierson seeks the hard and difficult tilings of lite as stepping- 
stones to the higher. If pluck, tact, square dealing and what not are elements of greatness, he should 
have a place among the great. Prof. Pierson, young and brilliant, fearless, yet congenial. Is making for 
liimself a record In the religious, business and literary world worthy a page in the history of any race. 
— Excerpt from "Who's Who Among the Colored Baptists." 



102 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 





Prof, r. H. Holden, B. S. 



Mrs. P. H. HoUlen. 




Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Harmon and J. H.. Jr 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



103 





rrof. B. H. Grimes. 



Residence of Prof. B. H. Grimes, 2419 Chenevert. 



Prof. Grimes was born May 4. 18GU, in Trinity County, Texas. He married Miss Bettie Arnett, De- 
cember. 1878, and two children were the issue of this union. He came to Houston in 1887 and has since 
accumulated some very valuable property, some of which is in one of the best white districts of the city. 
He is a member of the M. E. Church and two fraternal societies, namely: The K. of P. and A. O. of P., 
the latter of which he served as Supreme Shepherd of Texas. He has been teaching twenty-nine years. 
It was while serving as janitor of the City High School in 1894 that he made the highest mark in a com- 
petitive teachers' examination, and was immediately assigned to work in the city schools as teacher. 
He exhibited so much natural ability as a teacher and disciplinarian that he was soon promoted to 
the principalship of one of the smaller schools of the city. His promotions followed rapidly into higher 
positions of trust and responsibility until he is now principal of the Dunbar School, which has been 
enlarged from a six to a twelve-room school since his encumbency. Prof. Grimes enjoys the confidence 
of all his work and stands for the natural ability and energy he has put in it. 





S. J. Simpson. 



Mrs. S. J. Simpson. 



104 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 




Residence of A. Z. Hester, 1702 AVest Street. 




m # 




A. Z. Hester. 



Mrs. A. Z. Hester. 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



105 




Residence of Dr. E. B. Ramsey, 417 San Felipe Street. 




W. n. Muuroe and Faniilv. 



106 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 




Dr. B. J. Covington and Residence, 2219 Dowling Street. 




J. P. Sample and Family. 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



107 










Residence of G. O. Burgess, Independence Heights. 



G. O. Burgess, son of Alfred and Caroline Bur 
in 1876, educated in the public free schools of the S 
Bryan, Texas, and for several years conducted a su 

By concentration and application he acquire 
taught in the public free schools of the State. Too 
troit, Mich.; was admitted to the bar and began th 
to Houston in 1913, continuing his practice here, an 

Some years past was married to Miss Desdem 
industrious and faithful wife. He is a member of T 
time to time been active in Republican politics. W 
overwhelming majority. Has a modest liome in Ind 
Montgomery County. 



gess of Millican, Brazos County, Texas. He was born 
tate. Was manager of his brother's drug-store in 
ccessful grocery business of liis own at Tamina, Tex. 
d a Normal education and for about eight years 
k a course in law of the Sprague School of Law, De- 
e practice of law at Palestine, Texas, in 1906. Came 
d became a resident citizen of Independence Heights, 
ona Bryant of Navasota, Tex., who is in all things an 
rinity M. E. Church, an active Mason and has from 
as elected Mayor of Independence Heights by an 
ependence Heights. Also owns some farm land in 





U. U. IjUryesy, Mayur uf ImlepL-iidi-m-L- Ih-i^hts. 



Mrs. G. O. Burg(;s.s and Sister, .Mrs. GeorK>:i Mull 



108 THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 




Adkins, Mrs. John M. (nee Patsy D. Codwell— 1869 ; 1218 O'Neil Street; phone Had- 
ley 1423; former teacher; married in 1896 to John M. Adkins, Federal Court messenger; 
came to Houston 1901 ; student of public schools Navasota and Tillotson College. First col- 
ored girl to receive second grade State certificate ; taught in Navasota City Schools eleven 
years. Member Antioch Baptist Church, Home Mission Society and Executive Board 
Kindergarten Association. 

Black, Mrs. M. Augusta (nee Jackson) — 1872; residence, 1323 Schwartz Street; phone 
Preston 9577 ; born in Nashville, Tenn. ; came to Houston 1888 ; former occupation teach- 
er; president Woman's Convention of Lincoln Southern Association; formerly secretary 
for six years. Member and S. S. teacher Friendship Baptist Church, Senior Usher Olive 
Leaf Sanctuary No. 39, A. 0. O. P. 

Bree, Mrs. Vicia — Housekeeper, 613 Robin Street. Member Bethel Baptist Church. 

Bullock, Mrs. Hattie— Housewife, 3437 Tuam. Member Boynton Ch. M. E. Church. 

Burton, Mrs. Irene (nee Thompson) — 3020 McGowen Street; phone Hadley 2723. 
Member St. John's Baptist Church, Courts of Calanthe, S. P. No. 80, and secretary of 
Hester Court No. 57. 

Bonner, Mrs. Melvina — 1002 Palmer Street. Member Bethel Baptist Church, Olive 
Leaf Sanctuary, A. 0. 0. P., I. 0. of Twelve, Assistant Recorder Hazel Tabernacle No. 89, 
K. & D. of T. 

Burgess, Mrs. Desdemona W. — -Wife of G. 0. Burgess ; is a daughter of Mr. and 
Mrs. Dennis Bryant. She was born and reared in Grimes County, Texas, near Navasota, 
where she attended the public schools. In a competitive examination she won a scholar- 
ship in Prairie View where she graduated with the class of 1903. She also attended one 
term at Bishop College. She has been an active teacher in the State before and after her 
marriage. She is now editress of the Independent Record, a newspaper published weekly 
in the interest of Independence Heights. She has been a consistent Christian for a num- 
ber of years and now holds membership in Trinity M. E. Church. She is an active mem- 
ber of the Order of Eastern Star and holds the friendship of her sisters and neighbors. 
In her public career she has never ceased to be a careful housekeeper and devoted wife. 

Calhoun, Mrs. Mary A. — Housewife, 624 Allston Street; phone Taylor 1484; born in 
Colorado County, Texas, and came to Houston 1904 ; public school education. Member of 
Damascus Baptist Church, I. G. Courts of Calanthe, K. of P., V. P. Charity Home, I. 0. 
O. M. B. 

Carr, Mrs. R. A. — Housewife, 1408 Travis Street; phone Preston 1387; born in Wil- 
lis, Texas, and came to Houston 1913; graduate of Wiley University 1913. Member M. E. 
Church, President Woman's Home Missionary Society and Teacher S. S. Class. 

Cooper, Mrs. Roxie (wife of Rev. C. C. Cooper) — 600 Heiner Street; phone Preston 
6960; native of Louisiana and came to Houston in 1904. Member and organist Friend- 
ship Baptist Church, 1906 Charity Club, A. 0. 0. P. 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 109 

Crawford, Mrs. Lucy — 1848 ; born in Bexar County, Tex. Member A. M. E. Church, 
L. O. 0. F., K. of P. 

Bearing, Miss A. K. — Masseuse dermatologist: phone Preston 6699; 1106 West St.; 
native of Texas ; graduate of Mary Allen College ; came to Houston 1906 ; taught in public 
schools five yearg. Member A. M. E. Church, secretary K. P., secretary Household of 
Ruth. ( 

Dickens, Mrs. S. E. — 2905 Shepherd Street; born in Anderson, Texas; married W. 
M. Dickens in 1907. Member of St. John's Baptist Church, secretary of Social Side 
Home Mission. 

Felder, Mrs. A. G. — Housewife, 1605 Andrews Street; phone Preston 7950; native of 
Texas ; came to Houston in 1906. Member A ntioch Baptist Church, Household of Ruth 
and S. M. T. 

Ford, Mrs. Gertrude— Housewife, 2210 St. Charles Street. Member Trinity M. E. 
Church, Deborah Chapter 0. E. S., No. 13. 

Ford, Mrs. Jennie B. — Housekeeper, 2616 Shepherd Street; native of Harris County. 
Member of Baptist Church and Rose of Sharon Lodge No. 12, A. 0. O. P. 

Grice, Mrs. Nancy — Housekeeper, 1312 Fredrick Street. Member Bethel Baptist 
Church, Missionary Worker for 16 years and member of U. B. F. 20 years. 

Hagen, Mrs. Annie (nee Mrs. Butler, nee Miss Pruett) — 1863; trained nurse and 
midwife, 609 Hobson Street ; phone Preston 6728 ; native Texan ; came to Houston in 
1889; first married to Mr. Butler and by him has seven children; married in 1894 to 
Chas. Hagen, retired, who was employed by the Merchants Compress for twenty years, 
first as fireman and then as assistant engineer; living issue of second marriage, one child. 
Mrs. Hagen is considered one of the best sick nurses and midwives in this section and 
gained her training and experience by working under several of the leading physicians of 
Houston. She came to Houston with 50 cents and through her industry and thrift has 
accumulated a nice bit of property, owning her homestead and three rent houses, several 
city lots and farm property. She organized the first nurses' training club and has trained 
up several colored nurses. She has an Experienced Trained Nurse certificate. Member 
of Friendship Bapti.st Church. Household of Ruth, Rose of Sharon Lodge No. 12, A. O. 
0. P. 

Harris, Mrs. C. L. — Housewife; born in Wharton County, Texas, and came to Hous- 
ton in 1909; married to C. G. Harris. Member Antioch Baptist Church; property in 
Independence Heights; attended Seguin College and received a Seamstress diploma. 

Harris, Miss Charlina — 1902 ; .-student at Little Rock, Ark. Member of Church of God. 
Her father, C. G. Harris, is one of Hou.ston's leading photographers. 

Harmon, Mrs. Hannah P. — Housewife, 1012 Meyer Street; born in Houston; graduate 
of Houston Industrial College 1900. Member Bethel Baptist Church, Household of Ruth 
No. 219, and Grand Order of G. U. 0. O. F. 

Hester, Mrs. A. Z. (nee Julia C. Thomas) — Housewife, 1703 West Street; phone 
Preston 5966. She is a native of Georgia and came to Houston in 1893. Student of Sel- 
man Seminary 1889-1890. Formerly school teacher. Member Wesley A. M. E. Church, 



110 THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 

Past Grand Matron and present Grand Secretary of the State for the Order of the Hero- 
ines of Jericho, having held office in the State Order for ten years, also member of the 
Household of Ruth No. 197, Nineteen and Six Art Club and Married Ladies' Social Art 
Club. 

Holden, Mrs. Mary J. (nee Mary Breedlove) — Teacher, 2917 Turner Street; phone 
Hadley 2192; native of Tuskegee, Alabama; graduate of Tuskegee 1903; came to Hous- 
ton 1909. Mrs. Holden has been teaching for nine years and now occupies the position of 
teacher of Domestic Science and Art in the High School. Member Wesley A. M. E. Church. 

Jones, Mrs. D. L. — 1879; housewife, 3115 Bear Street; born Houston. Member Sloan 
Memorial M. E. Church, Treasurer of same; member and Treasurer S. M. T. ; member 
and Worthy Inspector Court of Calanthe; member of Household of Ruth. 

Kay, Mrs. S. G.— 1869; teacher, Harrisburg, Texas, R. F. D. No. 1, Box 323; born in 
Victoria County, Texas; teaching for 22 years. Prior to coming to Harris County to 
take up her chosen work here Mrs. Kay taught for several years in Victoria, Robert-son 
and Montgomery counties where her work was characterized with excellence. In 1909 she 
began her work at Harrisburg and four years later was made principal with a faculty of 
four teachers, and the building has been enlarged to a nice two-story, including four class 
rooms, domestic science and manual training departments. Graduate of Prairie View 
Normal. Member A. M. E. Church; member Order of Ladies of Eastern Star; Secretary 
Adah A. M. W. M. and former Grand Martha ; Superintendent Sunday School and Dis- 
trict Superintendent of Epworth League in her church. 

Kennard, Mrs. E. S. — Teacher, 1009 Robin Street; phone Preston 9115; born Fort 
Bend County, Texas; educated in Bishop College, Marshall. Taught school in Fort Bend 
County, Texas, for several years and is now teaching in Booker T. Wa.shington School. 
Worthy Counsellor Olive Branch Court No. 25, and Secretary of Theola Sanctuary No. 
301 ; member Bethel Baptist Church. 

Lee, Alice — Professional caterer, 208 Andrews Street; phone Preston 5464. Has fol- 
lowed occupation for twenty-four years. Member Trinity M. E. Church. 

McNeil, Mrs. T. J.— Housekeeper, 903 Cleveland Street. Member St. Paul's A. M. E. 
Church, Sisters of Mysterious Ten and True Workers Temple No. 228. 

McCullough, Mrs. Olletta B.— 1881 ; housewife, 1318 Cleveland Street ; graduate of 
Hou.ston High School 1901: taught in public schools for three years. Member and teach- 
er in Sunday School Bethel Baptist Church, also member of choir for 17 years; member 
Antioch Temple S. M. T. Married 1906 to P. H. McCullough. 

Miller, Mrs. Ada L.— 1873 ; housewife, 310 Robin Street; phone Preston 2762; born 
in New Orleans, La.; married Prof. W. E. Miller 1894; came to Houston 1894. Member 
of Antioch Baptist Church, W. P. of S. M. T., A. O. of P., 1906 Art and Charity Club, Sec- 
retary of Antioch Baptist Sunday School for 18 years. 

Miller, Miss Lillian E.— 1902; student, 310 Robin Street; phone Preston 2762; born 
in Houston. Member of Antioch Baptist Church. 

Moore, Mrs. Mary— 1861; housekeeper, 202 Andrews Street; born Belton, Texas, 
and reared by foster white mother. Member Wesley Chapel A. M. E. Church, A. 0. of P. 
and K. & D. of T. 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 111 

Nelson, Mrs. Viola L. — 1880: 2409 lludley Street; born at Galveston; teaching 16 
years; at present principal of Eighth Street, Houston Heights, School. Member Trinity 
M. E. Church. Graduate of Corsicana 1 iigh School ; normal graduate. Member Eastern 
Star, S. M. T., Ancient Order of Pilgrims. Eight years Recording Secretary of same. 

Pratt, Mrs. Sarah L. — Seamstress, 208 Andrews Street ; phone Preston 5464 ; born 
Columbia, Texas; formerly taught school in West Texas and Houston six years. Mem- 
ber Trinity M. E. Church and Goddess of Hope Temple No. 11, S. M. T. 

Paley, Mrs. Consada A. — 188:>; 1310 George Street; born Waller County, Texas; 
came to Houston 1901 ; graduate Waller County Public School 1900. Member Bethel Bap- 
tist Church: member Household of Ruth and Olive Leaf Sanctuary and Sewing Club. 

Perkins, Mrs. Ida — 1870; 1311 Bowling; born Houston, Texas; graduate common 
school ; housewife. Member Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. 

Pullum, Mrs. Emma — 1886; housewife, 1319 Andrews Street; phone Preston 302; 
native of Mississippi ; attended school in Columbus, Miss. ; came to Houston 1896 ; married 
1890 in Louisiana to Rev. N. P. Pullum. Member Friendship Baptist Church and Presi- 
dent of Ladies' Missionary Society of church. 

Robinson, Mrs. Elnora — 1882; 620 Allston Street; born Houston : housewife. Mem- 
ber Watt's Chapel Baptist Church; member Daughters of Tabor No. 333, L 0. 0. M. B. ; 
Christian Union. 

Robinson, Mrs. E. G. — 1884; housewife, 613 Robin Street; born in Louisiana. Mem- 
ber Bethel Baptist Church and Missionary Society. 

Russell, Mrs. Cora — 1889; 1707 Velasco Street; native of Louisiana; came to Hous- 
ton in 1914; graduate of New Iberia Schools in 1904; housewife. Member of Fourth 
Baptist Church ; member Wi.se Ladies of the World No. 43, and Household of Ruth No. 
2170. 

Simpson, Mrs. Emma — 1879; 1302 San Felipe Street; housewife: born Wharton 
County, Texas; came to Houston in 1910. Member Mt. Zion Baptist Church; member ^ 
Knights and Daughters of Tabor. Married in 1906 to S. J. Simpson. 

Washington, Mrs. Patsy — 1873; 1010 San Felipe Street; born in Louisiana; came to 
Houston in 1910. Member St. Paul's A. M. E. Church, S. S. Teacher, Stewardess; member 
Epworth League. 

White, Miss Annie M. — 1614 Sherman Street; school teacher; now teaching in Fred 
Dougla.ss School ; began teaching in 1899. Member Antioch Baptist Church ; member of 
Household of Ruth No. 197. 

Williams, Mrs. Lillie — Dressmaker, 2806 Odin Avenue. Member Baptist Church 
and Knights and Daughters of Tabor. 

Williams, Mrs. Augu.'^ta A. (nee Banks) — 1888; native of Houston; residence, 1407 
San Felipe Street. Member Friendship Baptist Church; member Missionary Society. 
Married in 1908 to Julius W. Williams. 



112 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 




-! 


1 


^^1 


r ■ 



Rev. C. C. Harper. 



Miss Charlina Harris. 





Wm. M. Scott. 



Albert McMurray. 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



113 



Ps?**!^f 






J. W. Williams. 



Mrs. J. W. Williams. 





Miss Cornelius O. Williams. 



Henry N. Williams. 



114 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 




a 
O 

d 






THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



115 







116 THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 




BLESSING IN DISGUISE. 

Many thousands of the Afro-American race cursed the slavery that came to them 
because of their seizure in their native land, and their forced exile across the water, in ves- 
sels of the English pirates and traders of that time, and cursed their sale into bondage 
into the hands of the vi'hite planters of the South ; but now they can look around them and 
see the wonderful blessings that have come to them in the way of advancement, education 
and intelligence and look back on that bondage which they once thought a cross and see 
in it a wonderful blessing in disguise. Their cross has become a crown of blessing. 

It brought them to that land which is today, to them, a land of freedom and oppor- 
tunity, to which the jungles of their native land and the barbarians now inhabiting them 
can in no wise be compared. 

They see themselves a people placed in pleasant places compared to those occupied by 
their people in Africa. They are themselves enjoying a measure of freedom, peace and 
prosperity which the greatest of their people in Africa never dreamed of. They are as a 
new people in a new land. 



NO DISGRACE. 

They did not come here of their own free will, yet who doubts but that, if they had 
had the foresight to see their race as it is today, they would not have voluntarily come 
over and served in "bondage for a season" that their children might reap the benefits of 
this wonderful country and government of ours? Most all nations known to mankind 
have, at one time or other, been in vassalage to a stronger nation. The Christ Himself 
was born a slave or vassal of the Romans, so that there is no disgrace attached to having 
been born a slave or a son of a slave. 



JEHOVAH DESIGNS. 

The great Jehovah has designed that some skins be brown, some black, some white, 
some red and some yellow. The color of the skin has nothing to do with the character- 
istics. It is no more a disgrace to have a black skin than it is to have a skin of any other 
color. The disgrace for any race is to have a black heart. 



AS A CHILD. 

The Afro-Americans were brought to this country and sold into bondage as a little 
babe, unlearned and untutored. As a child babbling a strange tongue they landed in a 
strange land and took up the white man's burden and for about two centuries they bore 
the white man on their backs. After emancipation for a long period of reconstruction 
and rehabilitation the white man carried the black man on his back. Now, however, 
neither race has to bear the other on its back for the Afro-American race is gradually 
finding its industrial life and reaching its commercial independence. 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 117 



A HARD WORK. 



As it is there are millions of the race today who deplore and hate the life and works 
of the low, vicious element of their race as much as does the most refined of any race. The 
Afro-American has a woi-k to do in struggling to eliminate this vicious element, which 
is of stupendous onerousness. It is a fight and a burden before which many a stronger 
race might well quail. Thousands are consecrating their every energy to the work, hope- 
fully and prayerfully, feeling that the stain must be removed from their garments. 

As the white races have led them into temptation, in the long gone past, it is now 
up to those same nations to assist in eradicating the stench it helped so to make. 



INTELLIGENCE VS. BARBARIANISM. ( 

Take away the intelligence that has been our heritage and our guide for the past few 
centuries and you place us all back where we were as barbarians of the dark ages. This 
intelligence which means all the difference between the best men of today and the worst 
barbarians of 6,000 years ago, has been vouchsafed to the members of the Afro-Amer- 
ican race, so that today they are enjoying the largest degree of freedom from fetishism 
and from ignorance and superstition ever enjoyed by a race so similarly situated and so 
shortly come from among peoples of utter darkness. 



HELPING HAND. 

The "helping hand" must be credited for this state of affairs. They have been helped 
and the larger number of the race appreciate it and are not only helping themselves but 
are striving to pay back the benefactor with a worthy life and with service so needful 
to the peace and prosperity of this country. 

Although racially far apart, geographically the races are together, so, through no 
will of their own, the Afro-Americans find themselves in these United States, the country 
of their adoption, able to make their progress heard through their industrial and allied 
lines, in no small way. 



ADVANCE EDUCATIONALLY. 

In no other way has the Afro-American race shown its progress more clearly than 
in the decreased percentage of illiteracy since 1870. Taking the country as a whole the 
number of illiterates, that is, those over ten years old who cannot read or write, was 45 
for each hundred, in 1870. Today the percentage of illiterates is 24 out of each hundred. 
This is 6 less per hundred than the illiterates of foreigners in America. The number of 
illiterates of Afro-Americans living in towns and cities in 1870 was 32 out of each hun- 
dred. It is now less than 18 to the hundred, or a decrease of nearly one-half. If the pres- 
ent decrease of illiteracy continues among the members of the Afro-American race it 
will entirely disappear by 1940. 

If this proves any one fact more than another it proves that the Afro-Americans are 
availing themselves to the utmost of the privilege of an education. 

By reference to the article on "Efficiency" by Emmett J. Scott you will see the won- 
derful progre.ss made in the establishing of schools for the race in the United States. It 
is not necessary to repeat this information in this article. I only wish to call your atten- 



118 THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 

tion strongly to the fact that the illiteracy is decreasing at a faster rate among the Afro- 
Americans than it is among the whites of America. While the figures are away above 
those of the white race, still the decrease is more marked. 



ATTENDANCE ON SCHOOLS. 

When it comes to the actual per cent of those within the school age who are in 
attendance on schools, the Afro-Americans reach nearly to fifty per cent, or one-half of 
the whole number. The record for foreigners shows but 31 per cent in attendance. 



LOCAL PERCENTAGE ON ILLITERACY. . 

It is gratifying to know that Houston has a very low percentage of illiteracy as com- 
pared with other cities of like size in the United States, which speaks well for the stand- 
ing of the race in this city. While the average for the United States, of city population, 
among the Afro-Americans, is nearly 18 per cent of illiteracy, the per cent of illiterates 
in Houston is onlv about 16. 



GAINFUL OCCUPATIONS. 

Just a little summary gives the facts as to gainful occupations among the Afro- 
Americans as compared with the native whites of the United States. 

The number of native whites, males, engaged in gainful pursuits is 78.5 for each 
hundred. That of Afro-Americans, males, is 87.4 for each hundred. The per cent of 
female native whites is 17.1 per hundred and the per cent of Afro-Americans, females, 
engaged in gainful pursuits is 54.7 per hundred. 

Of the Afro-Americans in Texas 54.9 females and 86.7 males out of each hundred 
are engaged in gainful pursuits. i 

By far the greater number in all parts of the United States are engaged in agricul- 
tural pursuits. In Texas 92.4 males and 93.4 females out of each hundred, from the 
ages of 10 years and up to 15, who are engaged in making a living are classed as agri- 
culturists, that is, engaged in agriculture and kindred lines. 

As the list grows larger through addition of those who are older, this percentage 
shrinks somewhat. 



POPULATION OF TEXAS CITIES. 

The Afro-American population of the seven largest cities of Texas as given in the 
1910 census shows Houston, 23,929; Dallas, 18,024; Fort Worth, 13,280; San Antonio, 
10,716 ; Galveston, 8,036 ; Austin, 7,478 ; Waco, 6,067. 

However, it is evident that the population of several of these cities is far in advance 
of these figures for the Afro-American race. It is estimated that Houston has 30,000 Afro- 
Americans in round numbers. 

The population of Harris County is from 25 to 371/2 per cent Afro- American, while 
about one-seventh of the farmers of the county belong to that race. 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON HO 

TEXAS. 

The population of Afro-Americans in Texas has increased from 490,000 in 1890 to 
about 700,000 in 1915, or an increase of nearly ten thousand per year. As compared 
with the foreigners in Texas the Afro-Americans are nearly three to one. Population of 
foreigners, 242,000. 



FOREIGN BORN. 

Less than one in two hundred of the Afro-Americans in the United States is foreign 
born, while taking the white races as a whole one in eight is foreign born. 

As compared with the foreigners the Afro-Americans have a much better grade of 
literacy. The average Afro-American illiteracy is 24 per cent; the average of those in 
cities is 17.9; the average of foreigners in cities is 21.2; the average of Afro-Americans 
in rural districts is 27.3, while the average for foreigners is 34. This makes a total aver- 
age for the Afro-Americans as aforesaid of 24 per cent and a total average for foreigners 
of 30 per cent. The illiteracy for Afro-Americans in 1870 was 32 per cent, or nearly one- 
third, who did not know how to read or write, while only 3-17ths are now illiterate in the 
cities, and this is rapidly being cut down. 

The record shows that 57 per cent of the Afro-Americans are married ; this is the 
average of all races in the United States. 

The increase in farmers of Afro-American race in Texas for the last ten years has 
been at the rate of 500 per year. 

Of course, when one race makes up about 7/24ths of the population of a city the size 
of Houston it is reasonable to suppose that a considerable portion of the commercial 
and industrial life and work of that city is due and done by and through that 7 24ths. 

That Houston is no exception to this conclusion, but that on the other hand it empha- 
sizes this very fact in its record of industrial and commercial life among its Afro-Amer- 
ican citizenship, is well attested in the li.st that is given in the back of this book, to which 
your attention is called. 

It is impossible to denote the amount of money invested in any particular line of 
endeavor or to get at the total in any way as no separate record is given. 




120 THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS AND PASTORS 



Antioch Missionary Baptist Church — 313 Robin. Rev. F. L. Lights, Pastor. 

Apostolic Faith Mission — 813 W. 22d Avenue, Houston Heights. 

Bee Bee Tabernacle C. M. E. Church — San Felipe and Arthur. Rev. W; Q. Hunter, 
Pastor. 

Bethel Baptist Church — 801 Andrews. 

Boynton Chapel M. E. Church— 1120 Paige. Rev. Jesse W. Gilder, Pastor. 

Brown's Chapel A. M. E. Church— 3208 Washington. Rev. P. C. Hunt, Pastor. 

Burrell's Baptist Church — 1104 Sampson. Rev. Jes. Covington, Pastor. 

Calvary M. E. Church — Bowling. Rev. W. E. Kelly, Pastor 

Calvary Baptist Church — 320 Sampson. 

Camp Zion Baptist Church — 99 Pless. Rev. Charles H. Smith, Pastor. 

Christian Home Missionary Baptist Church — Anderson, southeast corner Scott. Rev. 
B. J. Leroy, Pastor. 

Church of Living God — Corner Velasco and McGowen. Rev. A. McDonald, Pastor. 

Church of God in Christ — Corner Railroad and Oliver. 

Church of God — 1020 Saulnier. Rev. James Pendleton, Pastor. 

Cottage Grove Baptist Church — North side M. K. & T. west of Detering. 

Damascus Baptist Church- — 1114 Sampson. Rev. John Covington, Pastor. 

Damascus Baptist Church — 1109 Court. Rev. D. H. Rankin, Pastor. 

Emanuel Missionary Baptist Church — 817 Herkimer, Houston Heights. Rev. T. J. 
Hardeman, Pastor. 

Daughters of Zion Baptist Church — One block north of Washington, one block west 
of Detering. 

First True Vine Baptist Church — Corner White Oak and Tretam Place. Rev. Frank 
Walker, Pastor. 

Fourth Missionary Baptist Church — 1101 Dowling. Rev. Herbert B. Southern, Pastor. 

Friendship Missionary Baptist Church — 702 San Felipe. Rev. N. P. PuUum, Pastor. 

Gallilee Missionary Baptist Church — 2811 Montgomery Road. Rev. John Robinson, 
Pastor. 

Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church — 1402 Saulnier. Rev. C. H. Hunt, Pastor. 

Gospel Hill Baptist Church — Whitty, three blocks north of 9th. Rev. B. M. Williams, 
Pastor. 

Holiness Church of Christ — No regular pastor. Services every Sunday at 1709 Robin. 

Jerusalem Missionary Bapti.st Church — 2805 Hutchins. Rev. J. H. Makey, Pastor. 

Jordan Grove Baptist Church — Dowling and Gray. Rev. J. R. Lofton, Pastor. 

Little Damascus Baptist Church — One block west of Reinerman, between Pine and 
Buffalo Bayou. Rev. William Sykes, Pastor. 

Little Zion Baptist Church — Velasco and Wilson. Rev. Gilbert Green, Pastor. 

Lively Hope Baptist Church — 31 Schrimpf. No regular pastor. 

Macedonia Baptist Church — 1216 Ruthven. No regular pastor. 

Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church — 1006 Ruthven. Rev. J. W. Edwards, Pastor. 

Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church — 2901 Whitty. Rev. C. J. W. Boyd, Pastor. 

Mt. Airy Baptist Church— 1709 Robin. 

Mallalieu Chapel M. E. Church — 1918 Hickory. Rev. R. H. Warren, Pastor. 

McGowen Chapel C. M. E. Church — South side Green, two blocks east of Benson. 
Rev. Amos J. Wolf, Pastor. 

Mt. Calvary Baptist Church— 718 Shepherd. Rev. Wm. M. Guy, Pastor. 

Mt. Corinth Baptist Church — 924 Schwartz. Rev. Sauls, Pastor. 

Mt. Olive Baptist Church — 103 Denver. Rev. Matthew H. Ellis, Pastor. 

Mt. Olive Baptist Church — 602 Meadow. Rev. John Brantford, Pastor. 

Mt. Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church — 3608 Main. Rev. Charles H. Smith, Pastor. 

Mt. Pillar Missionary Baptist Church — 601 Hemphill. Rev. R. L. Williams, Pastor. 

Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church — 2713 Liberty. Rev. J. J. James, Pastor. 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 121 

Mt. Pleasant Free Missionary Baptist Ciiurch — South side Telephone Road, one mile 
east of Dumble. 

Mt. Rose Missionary Baptist Church — 519 Rutland, Houston Heights. Rev. John 
W. Craig, Pastor. 

Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church — 725 Railroad, Houston Heights. Rev. W. M. 

Ton P^ r i-l ^TOV 

Mt. Vernon M. E. Church— 2727 Burnett. Rev. J. I. Gilmore, Pastor. 

Mt. Zion Baptist Church — 2310 German. Rev. E. H. Branch, Pastor. 

Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church— 835 W. 23d, Houston Heights. Rev. G. R. 
Alford, Pastor. 

Nazarene Missionary Baptist Church — Three blocks .south of San Felipe, half mile 
west of G. H. & S. A. Ry. Rev. D. H. Hawkins, Pastor. 

New Bethel Baptist Church — 2318 Ann. Rev. Wm. Treadville, Pastor. 

New Birth Baptist Church — 44 N. E. Broadway. Rev. Ale.xander Farris, Pastor. 

New Hope Baptist Church — 3718 Broadway. Rev. A. T. Gordon, Pastor. 

New Hope Baptist Church— 1221 Crockett. Rev. C. B. Williams, Pastor. 

New Mt. Calvary Church — 2923 Richardson. Rev. Wm. Rice, Pastor. 

New Mt. Moriali Church — 3113 Baer. Rev. Warner T. Perry, Pastor. 

New Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church— 3405 St. Charles. Rev. W. H. Rhodes, Pastor. 

New Zion Baptist Church— 1316 Ovid. Rev. W. R. Mays, Pastor. 

Old Land Mark Baptist Church — West end W. 14th Avenue, Houston Heights. Rev. 
J. W. Austin, Pastor. 

Payne Chapel A. M. E. Church— 1517 Hill. Rev. 0. L. Bonner, Pastor. 

Pilgrim Congregationalist Church — 1422 Wilson. Rev. M. F. Foust, Pastor. 

Pine Grove Baptist Church — Galveston and Holman. Rev. L. L. Nelson, Pastor. 

Pleasant Grove Baptist Church — 2802 Opelousas. Rev. N. T. Lane, Pastor. 

Red Rose Primitive Baptist Church — West side Meadow, three blocks south Roanoke. 
Rev. W. M. Rice, Pastor. 

St. James M. E. Church — 302 Andrews. Rev. C. H. Holden, Pastor. 

St. John Baptist Church — 2104 Broadway. Rev. Wm. Johnson, Pastor. 

St. John Baptist Church — Corner Bowling and McGowen. Rev. H. R. Johnson, Pastor. 

St. Mark A. M. E. Church — One block east of Detering and two and one-half blocks 
north of Buffalo Bayou. Rev. Lewis Martin, Pastor. 

St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church— 58 L & G. N. Place. Rev. W. H. Snow, Pastor. 

St. Matthew's Baptist Church — Velasco, northeast corner Fulton Avenue. Rev. J. E. 
Edwards, Pastor. 

St. Nicholas Catholic Church — 1018 Chenevert. Rev. Wm. Murphy, Pastor. 

St. Paul M. E. Church— 1710 Edwards. Rev. J. L. Mosely, Pastor. " 

Second Baptist Church of Houston Heights — 840 W. 20th. Rev. A. D. Foster, Pastor. 

Second Pleasant Green Baptist Church — South side Cleveland, one block west of 
Beecher. Rev. Wm. E. Smith, Pastor. 

Seventh Day Adventist Church — 1310 George. Rev. J. W. Johnson, Pastor. 

Shiloh Baptist Church— 2914 Providence. Rev. C. W. Holmes, Pastor 

Sloan Memorial M. E. Church— 3102 Nance. Rev. W. H. Jackson, Pastor. 

Sunlight Chapel Baptist Church — 3515 Columbia. Rev. Roy Amos, Pastor. 

Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church — 3420 Broadway. Rev. Williams, Pastor. 

Trinity M. E. Church— 1412 Travis. Rev. A. W. Carr, Pastor. 

Truevine Baptist Church— 1901 Whitty. Rev. C. J. W. Bovd, Pastor. 

Wayman Chapel A. M. E. Church— 802 W. 20th Avenue, Houston Heights. 

Wesley Chapel A. M. E. Church— 2201 Bowling. Rev. E. J. Howard, Pastor. 




122 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 




Residence of T. Hogrobrooks, 809 19tli Ave., Houston Heights. 




Mr. and Mrs. T. Hogrobroolcs. 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



123 










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124 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 




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THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



125 




Kleetric Indicator, 




NED EASTMAN BARNES. 

Ned Eastman Barnes was born in Waller County, 
Texas, in 1868, and received his education at the 
public schools. In 1884 he was married to Miss Ada 
Johnson of Willis, Texas. From this union has come 
three boys. Two of them are now teaching school, 
Fisher and Wheeler: and the third. .Tames, i.s private 
secretary and assistant to his father. He followed 
the occupation of farming until his work as an in- 
ventor and promoter took all of his time. He came 
to Houston in 1913, and has devoted his time since 
in promoting several meritorious propositions. He 
has a well improved and well stocked farm of 160 
acres, and has so far received a good sum of money 
for the work of his brain in inventions. Two of his 
inventions are seen on this page. These are the rail- 
way track brace to prevent the spreading of rails, 
and the electric indicator for giving the time of ar- 
rival and leaving of trains through a moving picture 
screen. Other inventions are the station bulletin 
board, a hot box cooler and oiler, a sand band, a com- 
bination table and meat block, and a stove pipe lock. 
,\Ir. Barnes is a member of Farmers' Improvement 
Society of Willis, Texas; member of A. M. Silver 
Seal No. 182, Willis, Texas, and K. of P., Rodgers No. 
144. He is a deacon of the Baptist church and super- 
intendent of the Sunday School. 




Railway Track Brace. 




126 THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 

An Address Delivered by Hon. W. M. C. Dickson, of 
Houston, on the Occasion of Emancipation Celebration 



-H- 



Ladies and Gentlemen : — 

I congratulate you upon this healthy and imposing demonstration in due commemo- 
ration of that historic event which forty-eight years ago broke the shackles which bound 
you, your father and my father in chattel bondfge. It is very fitting that you should do 
this. The splendid pageant in which you have engaged but shows to the world that you 
know how to be grateful for that which to you has been a benefit or blessing. This alone 
should win for you the respect and admiration of peoples more fortunate than we, because 
it argues convincingly that you will not forget a friend who has been friendly, and that 
with due ceremony and appreciation you will hand down to posterity the cherished mem- 
ory of events and men which have contributed to the righteous evolution of a great race. 
In this you are not unlike the other great races of earth, and in no less degree may be 
called men. For ever since humanity has evolved from a primitive and semi-barbarous 
state, there has existed within the human breast admiration for the spectacular, the dar- 
ing and me sublime. Whatever the stage of mental development or moral susceptibility, 
the human spirit has been known to leap from its circumscribed bounds to worship at 
the shrine of a saint, to stand in wonderment and awe before a masterpiece of art, to 
feel the thrill of emulation for him who has dared to do a righteous though unpopular act. 

This emulation may not lead one to court a martyr's death, to brave the torture of 
the stake, or to rejoice while locked in perpetual night in a felon's dungeon, as many 
heroes of the past have done. For, though one would escape these ghastly and painful 
experiences, though we make no outward demonstration betraying sympathy or approv- 
al in instances where justice has been trampled under foot and the innocent woefully 
persecuted, there is, nevertheless, deep down in the human sensibilities a sympathy for 
the oppressed, admiration for the hero, approval of the right. 

This is the saving element of the human race. This is the leaven which makes the 
moral tendency of the age always upwards. 

The world at every stage is growing better; each decade brings and has brought 
human society nearer and nearer to that state in which every man will respect the 
rights and feelings of every other, and when every man will know that the highest wel- 
fare of all is best secured by promoting the highest welfare of every race or individual. 
The- wave of human events swings ever onward and not backward. The movement is 
progression and not retrogression. 

True it is that individuals go backwards. Races and nations become extinct when 
surrounded by conditions to which they can not adjust themselves or to which their 
natures do not i-espond, but human society the world over has attained unto a more 
advanced state; the eternal purposes of the Creator have been more nearly realized. 

Turmoil and strife, wars and conquest but betray that filtering evolutionary proc- 
ess by which that which is weak, unjust or corruptible is swept away to make room for 
that which is higher and fitter. Yea, the good may sometimes fall ; the weak may often 
be unjustly persecuted; today may break the peace and tranquillity of yesterday; plague 
and famine may today devastate the rich and populous territory of yesterday, but as a 
wave upon the mighty ocean swings now up, now down, but whose course is ever onward 
with a slow majestic motion, so the drift of human events has been ever towards a more 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 127 

perfect state, though one day may shatter the hopes of the day before and turn the veri- 
est order into seeming chaos. 

The human spirit is free and cannot intrinsically tolerate slavery, though that same 
being may enslave another; the human conscience cannot approve of injustice, though 
the same individual may persecute a fellowman; the human sense of honesty and fair 
dealing cannot applaud corruption, though the very person may enrich himself with the 
spoils of graft; and hence, when slavery, injustice and corruption sweep men on to the 
verge of depravity and perdition, the soul of the nation rises in righteous revolt, shakes 
off the fetters of littleness and sin, leaps over the confines of decadence and death, and 
comes forth in a purer and higher state. 

Every great event that has accelerated this movement towards higher and better 
things has left its imprint upon human annals, written not alone on books or parchment, 
the memory of which serves to quicken human activity in the cause of truth, and to bring 
the ultimate triumph of right into plainer view. 

We do right, therefore, to assemble upon the anniversary of such events, and with due 
ceremony commemorate their occurrence. The memory of them cannot but have a sav- 
ing eifect upon the minds of succeeding generations ; they appeal to the highest senti- 
ment of the soul and lift the thoughts to sublimer and nobler things. 

A race or nation can be trusted to shape its own destinies so long as hero worship is 
considered a virtue, and epoch-making events receive due and just consideration; for the 
noble traits, the great and inspiring deeds which look to the betterment of the world, the 
mighty and potent happenings which have shaken the world in the cause of right, cannot 
but have a saving influence upon the minds and doings of men, and therefore cause 
them to walk in paths of rectitude and discretion. The individual, the family, the State 
shall alike feel this wholesome effect, and shall accordingly guard their steps lest they, 
too, might drop into the pitfalls that have brought many men and nations to an inglorious 
end. 

Every surviving race or nation has had its inspiring events. Every great cause that 
has withstood the tossing tempests of time has its adherents who look with pride and rev- 
erence upon the past and feel more secure because of what they have met and overcome. 
The heart of every Britisher burns with pride as he points to the destruction of the Span- 
ish Armada which made Great Britain supreme upon the seas, and made possible the 
triumph of English commerce and civilization throughout the world. The adherents to 
the Christian religion reverence as saintly the memory of Charles Martell, whose good 
sword checked the advance of Saracenic hosts in Southern Europe and thus prevented 
the spread of Mohammedanism over all that country and consequently to America. And 
why may not Americans, regardless of color or race, cherish the memory of Lincoln and 
the Emancipation Proclamation that saved the country from disintegration and death, 
and delivered all Americans from the thralldom of a bondage more deadly than mere 
chattel slavery? 

The Negro race, who.se estate was changed from that of an animal to a man. can 
celebrate no event more pregnant with possibilities for the future than the receiving of 
the Emancipation Proclamation, nor can it pay homage to any greater character than 
Abraham Lincoln. The memory of these upon this anniversary day should stir the sub- 
limest emotions in the soul of every Negro who loves mankind and his race. He is worse 
than a traitor who would calumniate so great a character as Abraham Lincoln or deny 
the far-reaching potency of his statesmanship. 

There are those who .say that Lincoln freed the slaves not because he loved them or 
thought the black man the equal of the white man, but that he did it only as a measure 
incident to the saving of the Union. True it is that Lincoln loved his countrv more than 



128 THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 

he loved the slave, and sought first to save his country at all hazards. But it is equally 
true that Lincoln hated slavery and looked only for an opportunity when he could consist- 
ently deal it a death blow. The question of whether the black man was the equal of the 
white man as a social being did not enter in. It is true, however, that Lincoln did not 
regard the black man the white man's equal; the black man, enthralled with a bondage 
one hour of which, said Thomas Jefferson, was fraught with more misery than ages of 
that which occasioned the War of the Revolution; the white man free and master of his 
own destinies ; the one groping in ignorance and degradation because of his bondage, the 
other aristocratic and courting the learning and refinement of the world ; the one with no 
ancestry save the semi-savage inhabitants of the Dark Continent, the other pointing with 
pride to a long line of blue blood traceable to European nobility. Is it reasonable, then, 
to suppose that Lincoln, himself a white man, thought the Negro his own equal as a man? 
Not so, but Lincoln thought that the black man, degraded and lowly as he was, deserving 
of an equal chance in the struggle for existence as the white man, that the black man 
had just as much right to love home and family and to cherish sacred ties as the white 
man, that the black man has an immortal soul which must account to its God as well as 
the white man. 

This was the thought that burned itself into the soul of the great emancipator and 
made him dare to give the Negro a man's chance in the world, and this is the heritage 
that we received at his mighty hands. This is what emancipation meant to the Negro 
when the shackles were broken, and this is what it means today. It was then that we 
came to the parting of the ways ; and the choice of the way that we are to pursue will 
determine whether or not we shall be numbered among the surviving races and bearing 
our portion of the burden of the world's civilization; one way leading through rainbow- 
like visions that change and fade every moment, through dreams and fancies which, like 
the flickering will-o-the-wisp that lures the traveler on into the pathless swamp where 
bogs and quicksands await his inexperienced feet, vanish from sight, leaving us in dark- 
ness, on the verge of despair and far away from the high plains of usefulness and suc- 
cess; the other way rock-paved and leading ever upwards through the foothills and moun- 
tains of obstacle and difliiculty where with tug and struggle we clamber over the cliff's of 
high endeavor and stand at last upon the mountain top of achievement. 

The followers of the first way are those who saw no difference between liberty and 
license, who used their first free days in the pursuit of hurtful pleasures, indulging all 
the while in misguided notions of the rights and privileges of a free man, and finally end- 
ing up in poverty, crime and in many cases a death in ignominy ; while the followers of 
the second way are those who toiled through the night that the following day might 
not be one of failure and want, who were content with small things until by struggle 
and privation they had achieved greater, who thought upon higher thmgs and modeled 
their ways in accordance with honesty and truth. 

The right to choose our own way and thus work out our own destiny was what eman- 
cipation meant to the slave and what it was intended to mean by the immortal Lincoln. 

And who will deny that this is the correct view? What care we today whether the 
proud Anglo-Saxon considers us his equal, if he will only accord to us an equal opportu- 
nity to work out our own destiny in the great activities of life? As we drift down the 
avenue of life our watchword is not "social equality" but "opportunity," opportunity to 
help develop the resources of this vast country, and to have an unhindered share in help- 
ing to direct its mighty economic forces. Let us be given this chance, and it must inevit- 
ably follow that all questions of a purely social nature will be happily adjusted. It is 
meet, therefore, that we honor the name of Lincoln, and cherish the memory of the states- 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 129 

man who could look down the future and see so great possibilities for a race yet denied 
the right of being men. 

And while we look backwards with reverence and veneration, we would not forget 
that the call of the age is "forward." The problems of the tuture are more moment- 
ous and exacting than those of the past. Being as we are an infant race just going forth 
to survive or perish in the world's great drama of life, how careful should we be! How 
grave must be the situation when but the next step may lead us into irretrievable error ! 

Politicians and scholars of other races have devoted much time to the drawing out of 
theories applicable to the so-called race problem in America. Scholars and divines of our 
own race have disagreed and argued vehemently over the best way by which the Negro 
may attain the highest mission which we believe he is destined to perform. The ques- 
tions concerning personal freedom were less refractory than those which we must now 
meet concerning our own industrial and economic freedom. The giving of the Negro pol- 
itical power was a problem less grave than that pertaining to his highest function as a 
political factor. And as we theorize and ponder upon these things, we are often too for- 
getful that individual character is the first great essential to success and accomplishment 
in any undertaking or aspiration. The honest, unselfish, peaceful citizen who wishes all 
men well, and who regards it as much his duty to guard the interests of others as 
those of himself, will succeed ; and it is only he of such character who will achieve any 
large measure of success. The man who will filch from the man with whom he deals that 
which rightfully belongs to him because he is not looking, will betray his country or his 
race. The man who will falsify the truth for any temporary advantage in the social or 
commercial world is a rotten pillar in our racial structure : and if the race is made up of 
such, our whole racial fabric is doomed to disintegration and death. The individual whose 
acts will not stand the test of the unchanging principles of truth, has not the elements of 
success in him and is a failure now. 

Look around us and see who are those who are succeeding permanently. They are 
those who are trusted because proven trustworthy, they are those who are served by 
others because themselves serving and willing to serve, those made leaders because will- 
ing themselves to follow. Let each man, therefore, look to himself, for as the individual 
or the majority of individuals, so the race. 

And notwithstanding the theories and dissertations of scholars and divines, I say 
there is no problem, we are only in the midst of a condition that requires an awakening. 
Two things must concur to cure the racial situation in America — individual character on 
the one hand and opportunity on the other. The one devolves upon us, the other devolves 
most largely upon those among whom we live. 

Let us, therefore, imbibe the true emancipation spirit; the times and conditions chal- 
lenge us to be brave, industrious, vigilant and just. And let every man who has faith in 
Jehovah and the eternal fitness of things live his highest life; let his everyday acts give 
expression to his highest self, taking counsel from the lessons of the past, and trusting in 
the one unchanging God, to whom alone the future belongs, we know that all is well. 



130 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 




PROF. ROBERT M. CATCHINGS. 

Prof. Robert M. Catchings, residence 2618 
Rice Street. Phone Hadley 3441. Born at 
Lynchburg, Texas, and came to Houston in 
1888. Graduate of Prairie View Normal, 
taking the industrial and normal courses. 
Took Post Graduate course at Bradley Poly- 
technic Institute of Peoria, 111., and spent 
some time inspecting the manual training 
schools of Chicago and St. Louis. Formerly 
Assistant Principal Hempstead High School 
and now instructor of Manual Training in 
Houston High School. Teaching ten years, 
of which six years have been spent as teacher 
in Houston High School. Member Mt. Zion 
Baptist Church, also clerk of church. Mem- 
ber and Grand Lodge Representative of K. of 
P. ; proprietor of a grocery store run by wife 
and clerk. Married to Bessie G. Maynard in 
1913. One child, Maynard Catchings, born 
October, 1914. Owns five-acre plot near city 
and home and store on corner lot at residence. 



THE TEXAS FREEMAN. 

The Texas Freeman, the only secular newspaper owned, controlled and operated by 
Negroes in Houston, is a weekly publication, issued regularly each week at 4091/2 Milam 
Street by Charles Norvell Love, editor, publisher and owner. It is not a corporation 
nor partnership. It is an individual enterprise and is owned and controlled absolute- 
ly by the present management that has issued it each Saturday since November 1, 1902, 
enabling it to be independent in politics and everything else save and except its racial 
interest. 

The Texas Freeman is justly styled the organ and tribune of the Negro race whose 
cause it espouses fearlessly, come what may, sink or swim. It is the vade mecwm of a 
most discriminating clientele, and it speaks out on all occasions, defining its position 
positively, so that those who run may read. 

Charles N. Love, the editor, is a native Texan. He was born at Washington, 
in Washington County, Texas, September 22, 1862, coming to Houston with his mother, 
Mrs. Sarah Jane Holland, deceased, and his two bi'others, William and Richard, in 
August, 1865, immediately after emancipation, where he resided continuously, except at 
intervals, when he resided in Grimes County, between Courtney and Navasota, until 
November, 1885, when he took up residence permanently in Houston. 

Editor Love, as everybody calls him, has been active in public life since he was 18 
years old. He has been prominent in all civic and political affairs and has been a factor 
socially and industrially all the while, standing up conspicuously always, looming lai'gely 
on Houston's horizon. 

He was married to Miss Lilla Branch Sunday evening, December 7, 1902, his mar- 
ried life being a happy wedded existence, he and his better half being equally mated and 
matched, the couple together having acquired their proportionate share of this world's 
goods. 

Editor Love belongs to the "well-to-do" class of the colored population. He owns 
his business and he owns his home and in addition to these he owns improved and un'm- 
proved property in the Third and Fourth Wards, lots in Independence Heights and in 
Sunny Side Place and acreage in Highland Acre Homes and in the Lincoln Farms Addi- 
tion, all free and unencumbered, and operates on a cash basis. 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



131 




Mr. and .Mrs. C. G. Harris. 



132 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 







HENRY L. MIMS. 

Henry Lucius Mims was born in Bryan, 
Brazos County, Texas, Augu.st 13, 1874. ' He 
attended the public schools of that city for a 
period of ten years and was graduated from the 
Bryan High School in the class of 1890. He 
afterwards taught two terms in city schools of 
Bryan, and at the same time specialized in His- 
tory and Mathematics under private white in- 
structors. He was appointed a substitute rail- 
way postal clerk in April, 1893. In September 
of same year he received his probationary ap- 
pointment to the line of the Houston & Texas 
Central Railway, his permanent appointment 
following three months later. He has been pro- 
moted successively from the lowest grade at 
$800 per annum to the highest at $1,700 per 
annum, which is the highest point any clerk may 
reach in the ranks. He is the only Negro clerk 
in charge of a crew in a Class "C" line in Texas, 
save one. 

He is a member of the A. M. E. Church and 
has been chorister of the choir for eight years. 
He is also a member of the K. of P. fraternity. 
He was the founder and first National President 
of the National Alliance of Postal Employees. 



NATIONAL ALLIANCE OF POSTAL EMPLOYEES. 

The National Alliance of Postal Employees, an organization designed to protect the 
rights and privileges of Negroes in the Postal Service, was originally projected and fos- 
tered by the Negro Railway Postal Clerks in Houston, Texas. As soon as the Democratic 
administration of President Woodrow Wilson went into power, an agitation began among 
some persons in the postal service having for its object the curtailment of the privileges 
of the Negroes employed in this service. 

The agitation became so strong till it was thought that many Negroes would be sum- 
marily dismissed from the service, others reduced in grade, and still others humiliated by 
practices which were suggested to the officials by certain organizations of white 
employees, such practices designed to place Negroes in the smaller and less important 
assignments. To offset this agitation and take steps to protect their interests, a meeting 
was held in Houston composed of the best thought amongst the Negro clerks of this city. 
The meeting was suggested by Clerks Mims, Patten, Sweatt, Young and others, who finally 
got the men together for the first time in the office of T. H. Fairchild, a former clerk who 
had resigned and was in the real estate business. This meeting was held May 12, 1913, at 
7 :30 p. m., and was attended by Clerks Mims, Sweatt, Brown, Taylor, Keeling, Young, 
Dod.son, Robinson, Glover, Rutledge, Southwell, Smith, Jessie, Sloan, Jones, Ayres, Patten. 

From this meeting grew the Progressive Postal League, which concern projected the 
Chattanooga convention which founded the National Alliance of Postal Employees. Henry 
L. Mims was elected temporary president of the first meeting in Houston; T. R. Brown, 
secretary ; J. L. Sweatt, treasurer. At the Chattanooga meeting Henry L. Mims was 
elected national president; R. L. Bailey of Indiana, secretary; A. H. Hendricks of Georgia, 
treasurer; C. B. Shepperson of Arkan.sas, vice-president; B. H. Holerman of Louisiana, 
editor. H. L. Mims and M. B. Patten of Houston and J. R. Thomas of San Antonio were 
delegates to the Chattanooga meeting. The same clerks with G. N. T. Gray of Ft. Worth 
and J. M. Richardson of Denison, Tex., were representatives to the St. Louis convention 
in 1914, which re-elected Mims president for a second term. 

The organization is now in a prosperous condition and is recognized as the spokes- 
man for the Negro railway postal clerks by the Postoffice Department. 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



133 




o 



o 





Ullicci.s and Mi.)nli(.i> ul the S(ji.(ind Annual Convention of the National Alliance of Postal 
Kmployees at Houston, Texas, July 23-27, 1915 



134 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 




Residence of Mrs. Annie Hagen, 609 Hobson Street 




Property of Mrs. Annie Hagen, 611 Hobson Street 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



135 






Prof. R. H. Lockett. 



Dr. K. A. Durham. 



W. M. C. Dick.son. Attorney. 




Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Dickens. 






Lin Thomas. 



H. C. De Gaultie. 



E. W. Goodman. 



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THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



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John T. Stafford. 



Mi.s. Juliii T. Staffunl 



B. C. rtobiiiKon. 




Mv. and Mrs. ID. T. Noble. 






Rev. W. D. Hill. 



James A. Hayward. 



Rev. O. L. Bonner. 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



137 







Tj. Washington. 



.James Williams. 



J. G. (Ilenn. 







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Mr. anil Mrs. 1'. H. McCullough. 



.Mi .iiiil Mrs. A. P. Palev. 




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Sam C'fhron. 



Green Hogan. 



Bailey McCoy. 



138 THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 




TRUE ETIQUETTE. 

True etiquette is simply kind and true tiiought for the rights and accommodation of 
others. In other words, putting another's pleasure and delight before your own. 

The child that is rightly brought up naturally acquires the ideas of true etiquette. 
To make a mistake in your social dealings with others and to lay it to ignorance, claiming 
that you did not know better, is as bad as to willfully disregard the feelings of others. 

In order to be truly sincere and kind you must forget yourself oftentimes, in order 
to show your regard for others. 

To be kind and considerate, to avoid anything that would bring offense in the least, 
and to guard your thoughts, words and feelings, so that no offense shall be given, consti- 
tutes the whole of true etiquette. 

Good manners should begin at home. Because you happen to be at home with other 
members of your family, children, parents, brothers or sisters does not excuse you when 
you fail to show good manners. The home should build the foundation of your good man- 
ners and etiquette. 

GOOD MANNERS. 

Always lift your hat when talking to one in authority, or to your father, mother or 
sister, or when addressing a woman either in or out of the house, or when addressing 
elderly people. 

Be as polite to another man, whether in your station or not, as you would have him 
to be with you. 

Always address your relatives, friends and acquaintances with a polite "good morn- 
ing," "evening" or "afternoon," and be sure to see that you do not slight a handshake if 
offered in friendship. You have no more right to offend by a slight than you have to 
offend by a blow. 

Keep your good manners always right by avoiding evil communications, which cor- 
rupt good manners as taught by St. Paul. 

Honor thy father and mother and return good for evil. 

Be considerate of the feelings and rights of all other members of the family. It is 
not right or at all nice to try to make yourself officious, or to try to bulldoze even the 
least member of the family. 

Be gentle in your speech. A loud mouth is no sign of brains or of courage. 

Remember that good manners and politeness have led many a boy or girl up higher, 
and have ofttimes led to fortune and fame. And any boy or girl can have these whether 
they have anything else or not. 

Remember that "good manners" can not be put on and off at pleasure. Manners 
that are "put on" are not the "good" kind. They must be part of you. They make up 
your nature, and if you find yourself able to put on or take them off at pleasure, be sure 
you have a bogus brand of manners. 

Remember that a courteous word, a pleasant smile, or a polite bow, all of which costs 
nothing, may mean a great deal. 

Remember that true courtesy comes from within, from a heart of genuine kindness, 
and does not consist of a silly smirk or a vain attempt to "show how nice you can be." 
You don't have to "show" true courtesy. It shows itself. 

When doing a favor do not let it lose all its flavor by doing it with a "loud noise." 
Be unobtrusive in doing any favor. 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON I39 

PUBLIC MANNERS. 

A gentleman should never take a lady's arm. 

A gentleman should not speak unless the lady speaks first. 

A gentleman should take the side of the walk where he can be of most assistance to 
the lady and allow her the side where the walking is best. 

A gentleman should always remove his hat entirely when a lady speaks to him on the 
street — 

When he meets a man who has gained eminence or distinction. 

When he meets a friend who is accompanied by a lady. 

When asked a question as to direction or for information. 

When he offers his seat to a lady in a car. 

When he enters an elevator where a lady is a passenger. 

A gentleman should go before a lady upstairs and allow her to precede him when 
coming down. 

A gentleman should allow a lady to enter a door first. The lady should go before the 
man, both going into and out of a church or assembly hall. ■ 

A lady should always bow first. 

A lady should always acknowledge a favor shown her. 

A lady does not have to "demand" the consideration of a gentleman and there is no 
use trying to demand it from one who is not. 

A gentleman should show his wife as much consideration on the street as he pays to 
other women. 

HOME MANNERS. 

A man should be as gentle at home as when abroad. Because he is at home is no rea- 
son why he should be gruff. 

"Public manners" that are not put to use at home are "put on" and bogus. 

A woman should be as considerate of her own children's feelings as she is of those of 
others. 

There is no reason why the family should not be as polite with their table etiquette 
when dining by themselves as when they have company. 

A child should be taught to take off its hat when addressing his parents and when it 
comes into the room. 

A child that speaks disrespectfully of its parents will do so to others. 

A mother or father who rails at their children is sowing seeds of discord in the fam- 
ily that will reap a wild harvest when the child leaves the home place. 

Your sister is as much entitled to your courtesy as is the sister of any other man. 

TABLE MANNERS. 

The fork should be used to put food in the mouth except soups and desserts that are 
made to eat from a spoon. The knife should never be put in the mouth for any purpose. 
It is made to cut with and nothing else. 

In eating from a spoon do not make a "sucking" noise. 

Teach all children from the very first bite to chew all solid food thoroughly. They 
do not learn it naturally. To gulp food is neither good for the health nor is it at all nice. 

A child started right with good table manners will always retain them. Started 
wrong it is liable never to change. 

If you wear a mustache, do not "suck" juices or meat from it. It is dangerous to 
health and very bad manners to do so. Wipe it off. 

In dining with or without company, any member of the family wishing to be served, 

should say, "Please help me to the ." When wishing to be excused always ask the 

housewife (mother or sister or whoever occupies that position) if you may be excused 
before you arise from the table and remain seated until you get the desired consent. 



140 THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 

No food should be carried to the mouth with the hands except bread or cake. Pie 
should be eaten with a fork. 

You must not bend down over your plate in order to get your mouth close to it. It 
would be better even to bring the plate up to the mouth than to do this, still BOTH are 
wrong. Sit erect and bring your food to your mouth with the fork. 

Do not "shovel" food in the mouth with fork or knife or spoon, take what food will 
make a nice bite by sticking the prongs of the fork into it and carrying it to the mouth. 

If you cannot eat without your mouth "leaking" you had better go out behind the 
house and practice until you can. 

Do not spit food out of your mouth on anything. If you have food or a bone or any- 
thing in your mouth which you do not want to swallow, hold the fork or spoon up to 
your mouth and very quietly place it on the fork or spoon and deposit it on a bone dish 
or on the side of your plate. 

Do not place any of the refuse of your dinner on the table cloth. If you have no side 
dish or bone dish to put it on, place it on your plate. 

COMPANY DINNER. 

For company dinner the order of sitting down at the table is : all visiting ladies first, 
then all visiting gentlemen, then the host and lastly the hostess. 

If you are not in the habit of saying grace at your own table, be sure to have grace 
when you have even one visitor who follows that habit; be considerate of the wishes and 
habits of the least of your guests. 

In rising from a dining with company, the host should arise first, followed by the gen- 
tlemen visiting, then the hostess should arise, followed by the visiting ladies. 

If you wi.sh to be excused from the table, ask the hostess to excuse you before you 
rise. Upon receiving "certainly" as an answer from the one addressed, you may arise 
and if you wish say "I have certainly enjoyed your nice dinner," or some similar words. 
Then bow and retire. Do not linger to talk after you have arisen from the table. Be 
sure you have said all you want to before you ask to be excused. 

In serving company dinner, serve all visiting ladies first, then all gentlemen, then the 
hostess and then the host, if the host is serving the plates. If a waiter is serving the 
plates then follow the same order except that the host should be served just before the 
hostess. Of cour.se, if the dinner is entirely informal, the diners may be served one side 
of the table at a time beginning at the fartherest from the host. 

In serving "course" dinners, the order is .soups, fish with relishes, meats with rel- 
ishes, pastries, cakes, cheese, nuts, fruits, coffee and cigars. This order should be fol- 
lowed whether you have a three-course or a ten-course dinner. The above is for an eight- 
course dinner. Unless the bread is to be served hot it should be placed on the table before 
dinner is announced. No other food should be on the table at the beginning of the meal, 
except nuts and fruits. 

IN GENERAL. 

In conversing, never "dispute." It is rude and crude. If you conscientiously differ 
from the one you are conversing with, before you dispute his word ask permission to 
"differ from" him and then argue the matter with due regard to his feelings and con- 
victions. 

Do not try to bulldoze another into taking your way of thinking of a matter. If he 
is forced into it without reason he will be of the same opinion still. 

A fight never did settle a matter. Arbitration is always in order. 

Do not talk family matters to others. Do not try to pry into the family matters of 
others. 

Never look over another's shoulder when he is writing. 

Do not "listen in" on a telephone conversation. 

Do not make the mistake of thinking that it takes courage to fight. It takes more 
courage to keep out of a fight. 

Might never made right and never will. If you are forced to fight for the right be sure 
you fight right. It is better always to avoid a diflFiculty even at the risk of being called • 
a coward. If you are forced to defend yourself against a bully, fight your best but do not 
force the fight on him. A bully is a "thing" that needs to be avoided. 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



141 






J. Will Jones. 



Win. M. Youn.!? 



Wm. Allen. 





U .\l. I\iltili 



J. W. Belle. 






J. M. Southwell. 



A. I,. ISutlierford. 



J. E. McNealy. 



142 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 









A. G. Perkins 



Miss Estulla B. Jai;h;son 




A. G. Perkins, Jr. 



Office and Staff of A. G. Perkins & Co. 



Bertram Hicks 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 143 

A. G. PERKINS. 

A. G. Perkins, lawyer and economist, head of A. G. Perkins & Company, was born in 
Galveston, Texas. He is engaged in the law, land and loan business with offices at 
Houston and Galveston, Texas. His grandfather was Alfred Perkins, one of Galves- 
ton's earliest settlers after the war and the first of his race to provide for the education 
of the freedman. Alfred Perkins provided the land and aided to built the Barnes Insti- 
tute at Galveston, Texas, the first school for the education of the African- American and 
their descendants. The father of A. G. Perkins was the late Geo. Perkins, forty-six years 
a deacon of the oldest Baptist church in Texas, and who took much interest in the gen- 
eral uplift and progress of his race. The mother of A. G. Perkins was the late Susan Bird 
Perkins. Their eflforts formed the predicate by which the Perkins family has become 
favorably known. The family take their name from a prominent ante and post-belium 
white family, who after the war established at Galveston, Texas, A. J. Perkins & Co., 
predecessors of Moore & Goodman, lumber dealers and mill owners. 

A. G. Perkins, the subject of this sketch, was educated in the public schools of Gal- 
veston, being the valedictorian of the first class of graduates of the Central High School, 
J. R. Gibson, principal. He attended Bishop College, Marshall, Texas. For several years 
he was a teacher in the public schools of Galveston ; was United States Inspector of Cus- 
toms ; was connected with the United States Census Department at Galveston in 1900, 
and the United States Census Department at New York City in 1910 ; was admitted to the 
practice of the law in 1900 before the late Judge William H. Stewart, Galveston, Texas, 
who for nearly forty years was judge of the District Court of Galveston County, Texas; 
was ordained to the ministry in 1905 by Rev. A. Barbour, Chairman of the Ordination 
Board, and in the City ot New York, where he resided for several years, devoted much 
of his time to a study of the social, industrial and economic conditions of the African- 
Americans and their descendants, as well as their political and civic status from the 
legal viewpoint; is general secretary of the Industrial Foundation, U. S. A., an organiza- 
tion devoted to industrial research and development ; is a member of many organizations ; 
is general attorney for the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons 
of Texas ; Special Deputy Grand Master and Worshipful Master of South Gate Lodge, No. 
32, F. & A. M., Galveston, Texas; is a member of Grand Chapter of Eastern Star; has 
attended State and National Republican conventions, and as a property owner ranKs sec- 
ond among his people in Galveston, Dr. L. M. Wilkins ranking first. 

Miss Estella B. Jackson, executive manager of the Houston offices of A. G. Perkins 
& Co., was born in Columbus, Texas. Her grandmother, Mrs. Mary Sanders, was among 
the first and largest property owners of her race in Columbus. Julia, the older of Mrs. 
Sanders' two daughters, who very early became Mrs. Wm. Jackson, is the mother of her 
only girl, Estella B. She attended the public school at Columbus and is a graduate of 
Guadalupe College, Seguin, Texas, and Mary Allen Seminary, Crockett, Texas. Miss 
Jackson enjoys the distinction of being the first and only notary public of her race and sex 
in Harris County. Her ability is versatile. She is an accomplished dressmaker and vocal- 
ist. Her experience in connection with the law, land and loan business of A. G. Perkins 
& Co. has given her the opportunity to demonstrate her efficiency and she has proved her- 
self quite equal to her responsibilities. 

Bertram Hicks, general office assistant for A. G. Perkins & Co., was born in Hous- 
ton. Texas, about twenty years ago. Mr. Hicks was educated in the public schools of 
Houston, Texas, being a graduate of the 1915 class. He has been in the employ of A. G. 
Perkins & Co. over two years. Up to the time of his graduation he worked for the firm 



144 THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 

before and after school hours. He bids fair to become a promising man. He is respectful, 
gentle and attentive in his conduct. He is one of three children of Mr. and Mrs. Charles 
W. Hicks, who have resided in Houston for many years. Young Hicks devotes his atten- 
tion to the real estate, rentals and collections of A. G. Perkins & Co. In addition to this 
young Hicks is interested in the making and manufacture of floor mops. He has many 
customers for the Hicks' make and is optimistic that his make some day may be generally 
used. 

A. G. Perkins, Jr., son of A. G. Perkins (A. G. Perkins & Co), is the only child in his 
family. He was born in Galveston, Texas, seventeen years ago. He has attended the pub- 
lic schools of Galve.ston, the public schools of New York City, Houston College, Hou.ston, 
Texas, and is now a student at Wiley University, Marshall, Te.xas. Young Perkins from 
his earliest childhood has always manifested an interest in his father's endeavors, and at 
a very early age learned to operate a typewriting machine with much aptness and accur- 
acy. After school he devotes himself to assisting in the law, land and loan business of 
A. G. Perkins & Co. He is much given to outdoor life, mechanical and electrical investi- 
gation and in these lines has already attracted a bit of attention. 




THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



145 






Mrs. John Adkins. 



W. S. Morris. 



Gilden I'orter. 





R. W. Branks. 



F. W. Stokes. 






Rev. W. H. Cannon. 



.\l. lloj^rohrooks. 



J. S. Rutledge. 



146 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 









A. G. Feliler. 



.Mrs. A. a. Pelder. 



Mrs. J. A. KinK. 





Mrs. Mary Moore. 



Mrs. Annie Hagen. 





mt 




Mrs. M. A. Black. 



Rev. C. C. .Cooper. 



Mrs. C. C. Cooper. 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



147 




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148 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



NEGRO HEALTH PROBLEM 

By Dr. H. E. LEE 




As one rises higher and higher in the intellectual, 
financial and social realms, he gets a clearer conception 
of human possibilities, he understands more clearly 
God's purpose in creation ; he becomes more apprecia- 
tive of the things which God has created for his comfort 
and happiness, and hence feels it a duty to live long 
upon the earth that God's purposes go not to naught. 
Realizing this fact, we ask ourselves the question, why 
should one die out of time? In God's creation there is 
all that is necessary or essential to a life of three score 
and ten, and he who dies short of that age does so as a 
penalty, either direct or indirect, for the violation of 
one or more of nature's laws. 

So much has the subject of the preservation of health 
and the prolongation of life begun to interest the whole 
people, that greater activity than has ever before been 
manifested can be clearly seen by persons in all walks 
of life. 

In the" solution of this intricate problem, I am glad 
to see, late though it may be, that the more fortunate of God's creation from a financial, 
social an.l intellectual standpoint are beginning, as never before, to realize that to pre- 
serve their own integrity, their own social standing, their own lives, they must lend a 
helping hand to their unfortunate neighbor. Putting it in a more simple way, I would 
state that if A would desire to live long, he must interes-^ himself concerning the health 
conditions surrounding the premises of his neighbor B who unfortunately is unable 
to change or to have changed the conditions under which he must live. If B is left to 
himself to become a victim to transmissible diseases, he becomes a common carrier of 
disease germs and a source of its spread to his neighbor, A. 

During the period of slavery, the motive which moved the masters to guard and 
protect the health of their slaves was prompted by his desire that the earning capacity 
of each individual slave be kept to the highest possible degree of proficiency. Upon that, 
more than any other thing, his market value was determined and the real worth as a 
farm hand depended. Selfish though the motive might have been, yet as a result of that 
motive the race was preserved through 200 years of servitude, demonstrating that God 
works out all His plans through the minds of men when ofttimes they are least aware. 

With the severance of the chain which bound master to slave, the Negro was 
thrown out upon his own resources to combat all problems of life known to a struggling 
people. Ignorant and destitute, he began to work upon the solutions of problems for 
which he had made no preparations and about which he knew nothing. There were 
intellectual problems, social problems, financial problems, religious problems and health 
problems which were his to solve and, like an untrained soldier upon the battlefield, you 
can imagine how much energy was uselessly expended before he even found the path 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 149 

which led to his much-coveted goal, but which, when found, the hardest fight had just 
begun. I shall not attempt to go into a detailed discussion of the many obstacles with 
which he was confronted in his efforts at solutions of the social, intellectual, moral and 
religious problems, but shall attempt to direct my remarks to "The Negro Health 
Problem." 

Since life and health depend so much upon proper housing, wholesome food and san- 
itation, one can readily see the gravity of the situation regarding the Negro immediately 
after emancipation and even now, for that matter. 

Being unable to construct his own house in which to live, the Negro had to content 
himself with just such houses as his landlord built and as, with his meagre earnings, he 
was able to rent. These houses, which could be more appropriately called death traps, 
were built without any regard to ventilation and sanitation. In the larger cities can be 
seen three and four such houses situated upon one lot and in which large families live, 
sometimes as many as five and six sleeping in one room. To each house upon that lot is 
a surface closet, the back yards are kept wet from one day to another from wash water, 
and there is every condition conducive to the origination and the spread of those diseases 
which develop and thrive under such unsanitary conditions. The happy landlord, how- 
ever, is residing with his family happily and healthfully upon the paved boulevards, hav- 
ing no thought or concern about the helpless poor and the innocent children who are dying 
in the death traps which he has constructed, knowing at the time their unfitness for hu- 
man occupancy. 

These houses are ofttimes occupied by several different families at different times, 
some of whom may be suffering with such diseases as typhoid fever and tuberculosis. 
Without any effort at fumigation, other families move in in close succession after its 
having been vacated by the former occupants, only to find, within a short period of time, 
some member or members of that family having contracted the disease. 

Right here the City Health Board owe it to the unfortunate poor not only to see 
that all vacated houses are fumigated before being offered for occupancy to another, but 
that a general supervision should be had over the construction of every tenant house. 
No permit should be issued for the construction of a house until the lot has been 
inspected and the lot so well drained as to not permit water to stand under the house 
after rains. Not only that, they should make certain regulations regarding the construc- 
tion of houses with regard to ventilation and light. Until such steps are taken, the high 
mortality among the tenant class will continue and as a consequence the lives of all the 
people will be placed in jeopardy in so much as they are thrown in contact with this 
host of people who expectorate millions of disease germs upon our thoroughfares daily. 

It seems that our only hope of escape from the above mentioned conditions is home 
ownership. Statistics will bear me out in the assertion that the death rate among those 
who own their own homes is much lower than that among tenants. The average man 
who is industrious enough to buy a home is likewise industrious enough to see to it that 
his premises are kept in a healthful condition. Too, he and his family are not exposed 
to the diseases of former occupants. That being true, all of us should endeavor to get 
homes of our own, humble though they may be. 

So many diseases which are responsible for the high death rate among our people 
can be traced to cheap and unwholesome foodstuffs. Great care should be exercised in 
the selection of articles of food. Only the best should be had and should be bought from 
the most reliable dealers. Decaying vegetables, half spoiled meats, and old can goods 
are responsible for the death of many of our people. 

General sanitation is a condition over which we have little or no control. Seemingly, 



150 THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 

by the process of elimination, we find ourselves segregated. As a rule, if there is a low, 
marshy place in the larger cities, where drainage is almost impossible and where malaria, 
typhoid fever and tuberculosis are constantly present, we are assigned to that region with 
the promise that when we are once established, the city will extend its sewers and we will 
be afforded every assistance toward making our locality sanitary and suitable in which to 
live. Once we are there, our petitions are lost off the files and we are forgotten. Not until 
the development of a case of typhoid or of tuberculosis in the home of the well-to-do can 
be traced to the servant does there come a realization of the fact that the independent is 
safe only in so much as the dependent is protected. These germs do not develop in the 
well-kept homes, but once carried there by the servant even, may find suitable soil for its 
development and may produce one of the most violent forms of the disease peculiar to its 
nature. No city or locality is more sanitary than its most unsanitary spot, wherever that 
spot may be. 

In the South the Negro is the mainstay upon the farm and, in fact, in all places 
where hard physical exertion is needed. Hence, every day lost because of illness means 
not only a loss to himself, but a certain per cent of loss to his employer. Hence, as such, 
his health should be as well guarded as was it when his master stood on duty. 

Based upon the above mentioned facts, the Southern Sociological Congress is doing 
much to arouse sufficient interest as to changed living conditions among colored people 
and thereby stamp out those diseases which are preventable. The colored people through- 
out the South should co-operate with this movement since it means to improve living con- 
ditions among our people. 

With a diminution in the birth rate and an increase in the death rate, together with 
practically no increase from immigration, one can readily see that the race is destined 
to extermination. As a race, we should become more concerned about existing conditions 
and begin a health campaign of education among our people. From the pulpits, lecture 
platforms, in the public schools and fraternal organizations, our people should be taught 
how to preserve their health. Young women should be taught that there is no higher 
position in life and no place where one can be more highly esteemed than a mother in a 
home. The future destiny of our race depends very largely upon the mothers of the 
future generations. When women get a clear conception of the importance of proper 
motherhood, when they are brought into a realization of the fact that the men who are 
to bring about the proper solution of the race problem must be the product of the best 
there is in motherhood, they will not be so inclined to the practice of abortions which is 
sure and certain to wreck the life of her who practices it. 

When men are brought into a realization early in life of the serious eflfect of venereal 
diseases upon their oflfspring, they will refrain from those practices which are calcu- 
lated to bring about those conditions such as we so often see upon our streets. In this 
field there is an opportunity for miich effective work along the lines of the solution of the 
health problem among our people. 

The crowded conditions of our public schools comes in for consideration in the solution 
of the health problem, for it is in these places where our children spend from seven to 
eight hours per day for a period of nine months in the year and covering a period of 
from twelve to fourteen years. This being the developing period of their lives, makes it 
the more serious. As a result of the crowded conditions and the wet playgrounds dur- 
ing rainy seasons, development is arrested, especially among the girls, and they leave- 
school to suffer from these effects through life. Parents should interest themselves and 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 151 

organize school improvement clubs and with their own means, if necessary, make those 
needed improvements that are essential to health and comfort of their children. 

If we as a race are to be preserved, much of the work will have to be accomplished 
by our own efforts. That fact is evident and cannot be denied. Realizing that then, we 
must bestir ourselves and begin a crusade against those preventable diseases that are 
destroying our people by the thousands each year. Typhoid fever, tuberculosis and the 
venereal diseases must be and can be stamped out. 

I appeal to you through this article to begin at once with renewed determination to 
wage a war and to continue the fight until these diseases are extinct and the death rate 
among our people is reduced from its present figures. 



The Western Star Publishing Co., organized in 1895 at Dallas with Rev. E. W. D. 
Isaac, manager and editor of the then known Baptist Star, a five-column, four-page 
newspaper, has steadily grown. The firm was transferred to Houston about 1900, having 
as managers and editors Rev. R. T. Taylor and J. M. Codwell, deceased, and Rev. F. L. 
Lights. The present manager and managing editor, E. D. Pierson, came into control in 
September, 1905, finding a mere "junk pile" of wornout out-of-date material and an ink- 
besmirched sheet of five columns. He had the firm, which was a partnership, incorpor- 
ated in 1908, and the paper changed to a six-column quarto. The plant has so grown, under 
his management, that now it is valued at more than $5000 and the paper has been changed 
to a full size seven-column, eight-page weekly, with over 10,000 circulation. The firm 
furnishes regular employment to from ten to twelve hands daily. While it is the mouth- 
piece of Texas Negro Baptists, it is also a general newspaper in line with everything 
touching race advancement, and is regarded as the cleanest and newsiest newspaper 
published in the Southwest. 




152 THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 




Allen, Wm.— 1887 ; Railway Postal Clerk, Class 4 ; 2218 Stevens Street ; native of 
Louisiana ; came to Houston 1908 ; connected with the postal service for six years. Mem- 
ber of National Alliance of Postal Employees. 

Ballard, W. W.— 1821 Whitty Street; Superintendent Sloan Memorial Church Sun- 
day School; Secretary Solomon Lodge No. 18, U. B. F. 

Bland, A. T.— 1879; Porter, 1603 Rusk Street: came to Houston in 1905; formerly 
employed in oil mill work, but for 13 years has been a porter. He has accumulated sev- 
eral small farm plots and four houses and lots in Richmond, Texas. Master in Masonic 
Lodge and Past C. C. in K. P. 

Beverly, S. B. — Merchant, 2420 McKinney Avenue: phone Preston 6651 ; been in fish, 
grocery and meal business for six years. Member of St. John Baptist Church. 

Belle, J. W.— 1877; Railway Postal Clerk, grade 6; 3314 Stonewall Street; phone 
Preston 6354. Mr. Belle has one of the nicest cottage homes in the city and an interest- 
ing family. He has been in the postal service for six years. Received a Grammar School 
education. Member Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Smithsonian Lodge No. 155, Masons, and 
past Secretary of same, and member of the National Alliance of Postal Employees. 

Bonner, Rev. 0. L. — 1865; Minister, 1615 Hill Street; native of Alabama. He began 
teaching school at the age of fifteen, at the age of sixteen he was converted and felt the 
call to preach the gospel. He taught school and served as local preacher for nine years, 
since which time until the present he has devoted his life to the ministry. He joined the 
Alabama Conference in 1889 and joined the Texas Conference in 1891. This is his 
thirty-fourth year in the ministry. 

Booker, J. G.— 1868 ; Lumber Checker, 1002 Meadow Street; phone Preston 8977; 
born in Brazoria County and came to Houston in 1900. Owns homestead. Member, Dea- 
con and Sunday School Superintendent of Mt. Zion Baptist Church ; G. U. 0. of 0. F., M. 
of F. in K. of P. 

Branks, R. W.— 1859; Transfer Line, 3403 Prince Street: phone Hadley 2746; native 
of Kentucky; came to Houston in 1906. Member Fourth Missionary Baptist Church, of 
K. of P., A. 0. 0. P. Married Miss Fannie Lewis in 1906. 

Brown, T. R.— 1879; Railway Postal Clerk, grade 4; 2412 Dowling Street; phone 
Hadley 3407; born in Lavaca County, Texas; came to Houston in 1906. Married in 1902 
to Miss B. Nelson. Member and Trustee of St. John's Baptist Church, of National Alli- 
ance of Postal Employees, A. O. O. P.; former teacher in business college for 11 years; 
six years postal clerk. 

Burton, Harris — 1883 ; Merchant, 3020 McGowen Street ; phone Hadley 2723 ; born 
in Richmond, Texas ; came to Houston 1897 ; public school education. Married Miss Irene 
Thompson in 1909. In mercantile business five years. Owns two-story building at 3020 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 153 

McGowen Street, and five lots. Member St. John's Baptist Church, Deacon and Treasurer 
of same, K. of P. and Texas Negro Fair and Park Board. 

Calhoun, Daniel D. — 1875; Merchant, 624 Allston, Houston Heights; phone Taylor 
1484; born in Marlin, Texas; came to Houston in 1906; graduate Marlin public schools. 
Owns nice home and three rent houses. Member of Damascus Baptist Church ; member 
of Masons, A. F. & A. M., Past Chancellor K. of P., I. 0. 0. M. B. 

Cannon, Rev. W. H. — 1875; Minister, residence, Harrisburg Road; phone Preston 
6517; native of Louisiana; graduate of New Orleans University ; came to Houston 1904 ; 
pastor St. Mark's Baptist Church and Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. Member of Order 
of Love and Charity. Married Miss Evalyn Simpson 1914. Owns homestead in Louisiana. 

Carter, J. H. — 1876; Carpenter and Contractor, 1102 Schwartz Street; phone Preston 
7938. Member and Sunday School teacher in Baptist Church, of G. U. 0. 0. F. No. 7776. 

Cebron, Sam — 1884 : Porter, 3020 Nance Street. Member of Sloan Memorial Church, 
of G. U. 0. 0. F. and U. B. F. Porter for ten years. Married twelve years ; four children. 

Cooper, Rev. C. C. — 1877; Minister, 600 Heiner Street; phone Preston 6950; came 
to Houston 1905 ; graduate of Houston College. Member of K. of P. and A. M. C, Presi- 
dent of Council No. 5 ; Board member of Lincoln Southern Association ; preaching eight 
years; Missionary two years. Married to Miss Roxie Sherman in 1900. 

Codwell, Prof. J. M. (deceased)— 1865; late residence, 1218 O'Neil Street; born in 
Navasota, Texas ; came to Houston in 1900 ; married to Miss Pearl Cooper of Terrell, 
Texas, in 1902; two children, Jennie Marie and John Elihu. Member of Antioch Baptist 
Church and editor Western Star at time of death on August 4, 1914. 

Prof. Codwell had been prominently connected with the advance movements of his 
race for many years at the time of his death, and in his death his race lost one of its 
foremost thinkers and most active workers. He was Educational Agent and Secretary of 
the State Missionary and Educational Convention and Secretary of State Sunday School 
Convention and member of U. B. F. During his residence in Navasota he was member 
and deacon of the Baptist Church there and prominently known in educational circles. 
He served on the aldermanic board of the town and was a member of the Grimes County 
Educational Board, a distinction rarely acquired in Texas. He was known throughout his 
life as an earnest, honest, consecrated Christian man and one whose integrity and verac- 
ity was beyond question. He deported himself well in all circles and was held in high 
esteem by all who knew him of both races. He enjoyed the supreme confidence of all with 
whom he came in intimate contact and his record stands as an inspiration to those who 
know of him in any way. He was Assistant Secretary of the National Baptist Conven- 
tion, and as such, as in all his editorial, teaching, lecturing and administrative work, did 
valiant service for his people. He received his degree at Tillotson College. 

Covington, Dr. B. Jessie — 1875; Physician and Surgeon, residence, 2219 Dowling 
Street; phone Hadley 886; office 409'/o Milam Street, phone Preston 6436; born in Mar- 
lin, Texas : came to Houston in 1903. B. S. of Hearne College in 1892. M. D. of Meharry 
Medical College, Nashville, Tenn., 1900. Medical practice 15 years. Married in 1902 to 
Miss Jennie Belle Murphy ; one child, Ernestine Jessie. Member Bethel Baptist Church, 
Trustee in same; G. U. O. O. F., Masons, U. B. F., K. of P. and A. 0. 0. P. 



154 THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 

Davenport, T. C. — 1869; Car Checker, 1311 Arnold Street; phone Hadley 1851 ; born 
in Polk County, Texas; came to Houston in 1874; employed by F. W. Heitmann Co. for 22 
years ; now car checker. Owns homestead. Past Superintendent Sunday School and mem- 
ber of Trinity M. E. Church, President Trustee Board of same ; member Magnolia Lodge 
A. F. & A. M., Grand Deputy High Priest Royal Arch Masons of Texas, U. B. F., Past 
Worthy Shepherd of A. 0. 0. P. 

DeGaultie, Harry C. — Superintendent of First Texas State Insurance Company, 
Houston office; born in 1868 at Houston and received education in Houston High School. 
Present office address, 7141/0 Prairie Avenue, phone Preston 5546; residence, 604 
Andrews Street. Member and Trustee of Brown's A. M. E. Church; Past Chancellor 
Knight of Pythias Lodge No. 135 ; Past Supreme Shepherd of Ancient Order of Pilgrims ; 
Ex-Secretary Endowment Board, and Past Grand Superior of Brothers and Sisters of 

Love and Charity ; Vice-President and Director of Colored Industrial Exposition and Car- 
nival Association ; member of Knights ana Daughters of Tabor. Mr. DeGaultie enjoys the 
supreme confidence of the managing office and his associates. 

Dickson, Winston M. C. — Attorney-at-Law, office 4091/2 Milam Street; phone Preston 
1459; born at Crockett, Texas, and came to Houston in 1896. Graduate of Tillotson Col- 
lege 1894, Pomana College 1904, Boston University 1909. Holds A. B. from Pomana Col- 
lege and J. B. & J. M. from Boston University. Owns homestead. Member of Chri.stian 
Church. 

Dixon, M. E. — 1879: Collector, 804 Heiner Street; born in Robertson County, Texas; 
collector for Jackson Undertaking Company. Member of Friendship Baptist Church ; 
Deputy Grand Mentor C. E. W. Day Temple. 

Dickens, W. M. — 1875 ; 2905 Shepherd Street ; native of North Carolina ; came to 
Houston in 1902. Married Miss S. E. Hender.son of Anderson, Texas, in 1907. Owns a 
nice home. Deacon of St. John's Baptist Church ; Treasurer of Sunday School class. 

Durham, Dr. E. A. — 1865 ; Physician ; residence, 2906 Nance Street ; phone Preston 
4697; office, 4111/. Travis Street, phone Preston 5039; native of Georgia. Married Miss 
Sophronia J. Carr in 1885. Came to Houston in 1908. Graduate of Wiley University, 
Marshall, Texas, 1890 : Bennett Electro-Medical College, Chicago, Illinois, in 1886. Taught 
schools seven years. Practiced medicine one year at Rusk, Texas, 15 years at Calvert, 
Texas. Member of Mt. Vernon M. E. Church. 

Franklin, Henry — 1843; Head Porter Union National Bank, 1602 Jackson Street; 
native State of Louisiana ; came to Houston in 1865. Married Miss Nancy Foster in 1874. 
Has one boy and seven girls living. Member and Trustee Trinity M. E. Church, and a 
class leader of same. Has been running a transfer line for 30 years and has been con- 
nected with the Union National Bank for ten years. 

Felder, A. G.— 1867 ; Ice and Fuel, 1605 Andrews Street; phone Preston 7950; born 
in Washington County; came to Houston in 1897. Member Antioch Baptist Church. Mar- 
ried in 1908. Owns homestead. Treasurer of K. P. and G. U. 0. O. F. and Worthy Master 
of U. B. F. 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON I55 

Garrett, Dr. 0. C, A. B. — Physician and Surgeon, 417 Robin Street; phone Preston 
8149. Graduate of Fisk University 1894, and Meharry Medical College 1904. Ex-Prin- 
cipal of Wesley Graded High School. 

Gilmore, Benj. J.— 1879; 2202 Stewart Street; phone Hadley 2172; native of South 
Carolina. Married Miss Lillie Patterson of Victoria, Texas, in I'JOS. Came to Hous- 
ton in 1902. Member Trinity M. E. Church, Steward and class leader; Smithsonian 
Lodge No. 155, Masons. Owns nice home. 



Gilmore, James I. — Was born in Mobile, Ala., February 1st, 1860. He is the young- 
est child of Isaac and Mary Gilmore, who were formerly slaves. He is a self-made man. 
His father died when he was not quite seven years of age, leaving his mother a widow 
with an only child, Jimmie, as he was called by his mother. In October, 1870, this boy 
and his mother came to Texas, landing in Galveston, their future home. At the age of 
11 years Jimmie was a student of the Blue College, Mobile, Ala., during the days of Prof. 
Squires. Prof. Squires was afterward appointed assistant postmaster of the Mobile 
postoffice. Little James attended the public schools of Galveston, having for his teach- 
ers the lamented Virginia Patterson (nee Ashe) and Prof. Joseph Cuney, now attorney 
at law. He married early in life to Miss Harriett Bowers of Galveston and has been happy 
in this union for 36 years. He professed a hope in Christ in 1881 and united with St. 
Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church. He served his home church in the following capac- 
ities : Steward, Class Leader, Sunday School Superintendent, Secretary of the Board of 
Trustees, President of the Epworth League, District Epworth League President and rep- 
resented his district at the first International Epworth League Convention at Cleveland, 
Ohio, in 1893. Recognizing the call to preach, he answered and joined the Texas Confer- 
ence in December, 1896, at Galveston, Texas, and was appointed to a mission charge, 
Mallalieu, Houston, Texas. So acceptably did he serve this work that he was promoted 
the next year and his promotions were continuous until he was appointed Presiding Elder 
of the Paris District in December, 1906. He served this district his full term of six years 
and placed it in the fore rank of the Conference. On retiring from the district he was 
appointed to the pastorate of Mt. Vernon Methodist Episcopal Church, Houston, Texas, 
in November, 1912. He is now serving his fourth year in this same charge, having been 
reappointed each year to succeed himself. The Lord has blessed his work in the church 
and he is counted a successful minister of the gospel. He served his Conference for six 
years as Assistant Treasurer and is now serving as Treasurer for the third year. 

He is also a favorite in the realm of fraternal societies, being a member of the U. B. 
of F., Masons, G. U. 0. 0. F., A. 0. of P., K. of P., Eastern Star, Mosaic Templars of Amer- 
ica, Household of Ruth and Knights and Daughters of Tabor. He has served the forego- 
ing institutions both locally and in the Grand bodies. He is also Past National Grand 
Chaplain of the United Brothers of Friendship and Sisters of Mysterious Ten. He is one 
of the seven men who organized and chartered the only Negro fire insurance company in 
the United States and en.foys the honor of being secretary of the same, the Standard 
American Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Texas. 

He is a tireless worker, a lover of his race, a humanitarian, high churchman and a 
friend of men, being charitable to a fault. 

Glenn, J. G.— 1874; Mechanical Engineer at I. & G. N. Shops; 1110 George Street. 
Member Baptist Church and K. P. 



156 THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 

Goodman, E. W.— 1877 ; Postal Mail Clerk, Sth grade, 2723 Nance Street; born in 
Aubtin County, Texas; came to Houston in 1914. Attended Prairie View Normal three 
years. Owns homestead in Beaumont. Married Miss Virginia Brown in 1904. Issue, 
three children, one living. Member of Masons, K. P. and Woodman Camp. 

Goodwin, Dan G. — 1871; Merchant, 706 Paige Street ; born in Brazoria County, Tex- 
as. Member and Deacon Fourth Missionary Baptist Chuixh ; Trustee Pride of Houston 
Lodge No. 211, K. P.; Chief Mentor Fisher Temple No. 105, K. & D. of T. and I. L. A. 
Owns home and other lots in city. 

Harmon, J. H. — Merchant; residence, 1012 Meyer Street; store, 423 San Felipe 
Street; native of Alabama; came to Houston in 1894. Owns homestead and several other 
lots in city. Member Bethel Baptist Church and G. U. 0. 0. F. ; Treasurer of his local 
and Treasurer of the joint Trustee Board. Graduate of Houston Academy. Dry Goods 
merchant. Mr. Harmon is one of the self-made men of his race in Houston as he was left 
a double orphan at the age of 13, with nothing to start out in life. 

Harmon, Master J. H. Jr. — 1906 : Student, 1012 Meyer Street. Little son of Mr. and 
Mrs. J. H. Harmon. Member Bethel Baptist Church. In fifth grade in public school and 
third grade in music. Has splendid natural oratorical ability, studious and is religiously 
inclined. 

Harper, Columbus C. — Pastor of Bethel Baptist Church. Was born in 1884 and 
began preaching at nine years of age. In 1902 he began pastoring, holding some prom- 
inent charges, among which were Mt. Olive, Dayton, Ohio; St. James, Texarkana, Ark. ; 
Bethesda, Marshall, Texas, and Bethel, of Houston, Texas. He is now retiring to accept 
the pulpit of St. John's Church, Dallas, Texas. Alumnus of Homer Normal College, 
Burton College and Ohio Central University. 

Harris, C. G. — 1873; Photographer; native of Arkansas; came to Houston in 1910 
after a successful work of nine years with his photographic studio in Little Rock. He is 
now the leading Afro-American photographer of the city. He was married to Miss C. L. 
Williams in 1914. Member of Antioch Baptist Church. Has property in Arkansas and 
Texas. 

Hayward, James A. — 1889 ; Cleaning and Pressing, 2303 McKinney Avenue ; phone 
Preston 1930; born Gladstone, Texas; came to Houston in 1902. Graduate of Houston 
Public School. Member of the Board of Trustees of Fourth Missionary Baptist Church, 
Secretary B. Y. P. U. and Secretary U. B. F. Lodge. 

Henry, John — 1887; Cleaner and Presser, residence, 1108 Schwartz Street; establish- 
ment, 2803 Odin Avenue; native State of Texas; came to Houston in 1913. Owns home- 
stead and rent houses. Common school education. Member G. U. O. 0. F. 

Henry, Wm. McKinley— 3018 Austin Street. Member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church; 
Recorder of A. 0. of P. ; President of Silver Seal Band. 

Hester, Alexander Z. — 1865 ; Cotton Sampler, 1703 West Street ; phone Preston 
5966 ; native of Georgia ; came to Houston in 1893. Connected with Weld-Neville, Inman 
Co., Alexander Echols and other prominent cotton firms for 26 years. Member of Wesley 
Chapel Methodist Church, A. F. & A. M., Past Worshipful Master, Past Secretary and 
Treasurer. 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 157 

Hill, Rev. W. Beams, B. D.— 1866; Baptist Minister, 512 Robin Street; native of 
Georgia. Educated in High School of Eufaula, Ala., Prairie View Normal and Bl.shop 
College, Marshall, Texas. At Bishop College he was made night monitor for the 
campus. Was received into the Baptist Church in 1882 and began his ministerial work in 
1891. Was ordained in Denison the following year. Married to Miss Louisa Ward of 
Galveston in 1896. They have had three children, one living only a few hours and the 
other two now living, Wilberforce E. D. Hill and Precious Ruth Hill. Member Mt. Rose 
Baptist Church, Bastrop. Taught school for 15 years, also taught instrumental and vocal 
music. Served as principal of the Honey Grove Public High School. Has pastored the 
following churches: St. Paul, Crockett, Texas; Little Zion, Hillsboro, Texas; Morning 
Chapel, Sulphur Springs, Texas; Sixth Avenue, Corsicana, Texas; North Eighth Street, 
Waco, Texas ; Mt. Pleasant, Montgomery, Texas ; Mt. Rose, Bastrop, Texas, and Beren at 
Jackson, Tenn. Was a member of the State B. Y. P. U. Board for years, is First Vice- 
President of the State Foreign Mission Convention and Recording Secretary of the State 
Associated Charities. K. of P. and Mason. 

Hagen, Green — 1862; Core Maker, 1710 Andrews Street; born in Fort Bend County. 
Came to Houston in 1865. Public school education. Owns house and two lots in Indepen- 
dence Heights. Member Friendship Baptist Church, Sunday School Superintendent, P. 
D. M. of U. B. F. 

Hogrobrooks, M.— 1881 ; Merchant, 2121 Nassau Street; phone Taylor 103; native of 
Georgia. Has been in the grocery business for nine years and is now member of the firm 
of Horn & Sons. Member of Second Baptist Church, Houston Heights ; Secretary of the 
Moore Bros. Lodge of Christian Union. Married ; has two children. 

Hogrobrooks, Theodore — 1885 ; Mechanic, residence West Nineteenth Street, Houston 
Heights; native of Georgia. Came to Houston in 1900. Member of Second Baptist 
Church, Houston Heights ; member Solomon Temple, L. 0. 0. M. B., No. 1. Boss carder 
at Oriental Textile Mills, has been for eight years. Wife, Inez Hogrobrook, born in 
Houston in 1887. Son, Theodore, Jr., born in Houston in 1912. 

Holden, Prof. P. H., B. S. — Teacher, Head High School History Department; resi- 
dence, 2917 Turner Street; phone Hadley 2192. Native of Mississippi. Came to Houston 
in 1907. Graduate of Alcorn A. & M. College of Mississippi 1905. Present position. 
Instructor of History. Owns homestead and vacant lots. Member Trinity M. E. Church, 
Treasurer of Theola Sanctuary No. 301, A. O. 0. P. 

Hunter, Rev. W. Q.— 1877; Minister, 917 Saulnier Street; phone Preston 6375; born 
m Bryan, Texas. Married in 1900. Came to Houston in 1914. Graduate of Borham 
High School. Owns three houses and lots in Bonliam, Texas. Member C. M. E. Church. 
Ordained in 1913 at Henderson by Bishop M. F. Jamison. Pastored St. Luke C. M. E. 
Church at Jefferson, Texas. Also member of G. U. 0. O. F. and K. of T. 

Jones, J. Will— 1867; Railway Postal Clerk, 215 Robin Street; phone Preston 9358; 
native of Hou.ston. Attended Allen University. Took special course in music at Boston, 
Mass. Was Director of Music in Wylie University for five years. Member and pipe 
organist for Trinity M. E. Church, R. W. P. C. 16 years; H. of P. and N. A. P. E. Mar- 
ried Miss Margarette Morrow in 1897. 



158 THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 

Jackson, Joseph H. — Contractor and Builder. Born at Sandy Point, Texas, in 1868. 
Came to Houston in 1870. Married Miss Lillie C. Williams in 1889. Built Trinity M. E. 
Church, flats and numerous buildings in Houston. Employs from twelve to fifteen men. 
Owns four lots at Fidelity. 

Johnson, A. J. — 1883; Contractor, 319 Robin Street; phone Preston 6151. Member 
Wesley Chapel A. M. E. Church, U. B. F. and A. O. O. P. Graduate of High School and 
Los Angeles Architectural School. Has been contractor and builder for eight years, dur- 
ing which time he has built many of the nice homes of the city for his race. His reputa- 
tion is such that when the contract is given him, those having the work done know that 
it will be done I'ight and the best possible way. 

Johnson, James A.— 1845; Teamster, 1847 W. 17th Street; phone Taylor 1354; native 
of Georgia. Married Miss Georgia Hunt in 1871. Came to Texas in 1864. Member Second 
Baptist Church. Owns home and other property. 

Kyle, James — 1846: Superintendent Olivewood Cemetery, 520 Hopson Street ; phone 
Preston 6784 ; native of Brazoria County, Texas. Owns homestead. Trustee of Trinity 
M. E. Church ; A. R. & A. M. and W. O. of P. Married in 1869. 

Lockett, Prof. Richard G., A. B.— 1882; Teacher, I'JOl Worms Street; phone Preston 
9426; native of Houston. Graduate of Atlanta University 1905. Teacher in High School, 
Houston. Owns homestead and other property. Trustee Mt. Vernon M. E. Church. One 
of the Supreme Trustees of A. 0. O. P. Trustee and one of the founders of Carnegie Col- 
ored Library at Houston. 

Longcope, Ed. L. — 1882; Contractor and Builder, 3004 Market Street; phone Preston 
8942. 

Luckey, Will — Yardman, 3102 Turner Street; native of Lewis, Texas. Married Miss 
Mary Marshall of Edna, Texas, in 1904. One child. Came to Houston in 1894. Member 
St. James Baptist Church, U. B. of F. and A. M. B. A. 

Lumpkin, Wm. — 1018 Andrews Street ; member Masonic, A. 0. O. P. and only Afro- 
American in Houston member of Bricklayers' International Union. 

McClellan, George— Of Beverly & McClellan, 2420 McKinney Avenue; phone Pr. 6651. 

McCoy, Bailey — 1875: Salesman, 1505 Pannell Street; phone Preston 1210; native of 
Grimes County, Texas; came to Houston in 1892. Employed by Heitmann Company since 
1900. Married Miss L. Miller in 1913. Owns homestead. Member Trinity M. E. Church 
and K. of P. 

McCullough, P. H. — 1880; with Brown Cracker & Candy Company; owns homestead. 
Married Miss 0. B. McCloney in 1906. Choir member of Bethel Baptist Church. Presi- 
dent of Magnolia Dramatic Club. High School education. 

McMillan, D. B.— 1887; Parcel Post Carrier, 2210 Gray Avenue; phone Hadley 2657; 
native of Bryan, Texas. Married Miss Zelma C. Graves of Richmond, Texas. Two chil- 
dren, Daniel B. and Nolan M. Came to Houston in 1909. Graduate of Prairie View Nor- 
mal in 1907. Owns a nice home and other property. Member Dunbar No. 304, A. O. O. P. 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 159 

McMurray, Albert— 1871 ; 3602 Fulton Street; native of Columbus, Texas. Came to 
Houston in 1875. Graduate of Houston High School 1885. Trustee of St. John's Baptist 
Church; Treasurer of choir. Member Negro Y. M. C. A., A. O. 0. P. Owns two-storj^ 
store building on Fulton and Wall Streets, besides residence and other property. 

McKinney, Van H.— 411 1/2 Travis Street, is the pioneer Negro job printer of Texas. 
His office was established in 1892 in the City of Houston. Since that time a score of col- 
ored boys have learned the printer's trade under him and are today out in the world doing 
well, namely : Mr. W. O. Myers and Van R. McKinney, present employees ; Campbell A. Gil- 
more of Gilmore & Lethridge Co., this city ; Jacob Leake, editor and proprietor of the Pal- 
estine Hustler, Palestine, Texas ; Will Hamilton holds a position in the government print- 
ing office, Washington, D. C. ; W. L. Jones, former editor and proprietor of the Galveston- 
Houston Times, at present postmaster at Boley, Okla. ; Will Mayo, who holds a lucrative 
position in a white office in Louisiana; Charles H. Cornell, J. B. Fenley (deceased), W. O. 
Wilson and others. Mr. McKinney is editor of the Houston Van, published weekly in 
the interest of the business, social, relig-ious and moral life of the Negro race. 

Miller, Prof. W. E.— 1871 ; Teacher, 310 Robin Street; phone Preston 2762; native of 
Belton, Bell County, Texas. Married Miss Ida O. Levy May 2, 1894. Came to Houston 
in 1892. Graduate of Prairie View College 1890. Owns very nice home. Secretary Anti- 
och Baptist Church ; member Masonic, K. of P., U. B. of F., A. 0. of P. ; Secretary Old 
Land Mark Baptist Association ; Secretary Mason Lodge fourteen consecutive years. 

Mitchell, Henry J.— 1874 ; Hotel Waiter, 1901 Pannell Street ; phone Preston 4676 ; 
native of Houston. Owns home and other property in Hari-is County. Married Miss 
Frankie J. Johnson in 1898. Trustee St. Paul A. M. E. Church, P. C. C. of K. of P., 
Junior Warden Masons, President H. M. B. A., E.x-Secretary G. U. 0. O. F., Past Secretary 
U. B. F., K. of T., and Trustee Texas Negro Fair Association. 

Monroe, W. H. — 1865; Requisition Clerk Guarantee Life Insurance Co., 2502 Gray 
Avenue; phone Hadley 3242; native of Missouri. Came to Houston in 1896. Educated 
in public schools of Kansas City. Formerly barber. For eight years in the above posi- 
tion, which he has filled to the satisfaction of all. He has a large circle of friends both 
among the white and colored of Houston. Owns home. Member Antioch Baptist Church, 
S. W. of Masons, Prelate of K. of P. Married Miss Mamie L. Tanner of Brenham in 1898. 
Has interesting family of five boys and three girls, who are receiving the right kind of 
training to make them useful citizens. 

Morris, W. S. — 1879; Proprietor Barber Shop, 2515 McKinney Avenue; native of 
Texas; came to Houston in 1908. Member Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, U. B. F., A. F. and 
A. M. and A. O. O. P. 

Moore, G. A. — 202 Andrews Street. Prominent church worker. Treasurer of G. U. 
O. O. F., K. & D. of T. 

McNealy, J. E. — 1876 ; Railway Postal Clerk, 1707 West Street ; native of Te.xas ; came 
to Houston in 1902. In the postal service as Mail Clerk for over nine years. Member of 
Mt. Zion Baptist Church, K. P., A. F. & A. M. Has High School education and owns home 
and other property in Houston. 



160 THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 

Mosely, Rev. James L. — 1872; Edwards Street; phone Preston 6954. Married Miss 
Lillie R. Twiggs in 1907. Five children. Educated in public schools. Taught school for 
21 years. Conducted several summer normals. Ordained in 1907. Pastored at Victoria, 
Columbus, Sealy, Chappell Hill. Now pastor of St. Paul M. E. Church. Member Masons 
and Texas Conference. 

Noble, C. H. — 1864; llarrisburg: native of Houston. Graduate of Reagan High 
School of Houston. Married Mrs. Ruby Nevels in 1905. Owns home and store. Member 
Antioch Baptist Church ; Prelate in K. P., and Grand Chaplain H. M. B. A. For 24 years 
a professional cook. 

Nowlin, Rev. S. S. — Minister, 2409 Lamar Avenue. Member Fourth Missionary Bao- 
tist Church, I. 0. of 12 and U. K. and L. of H. 

Nelson, S. M.— 1879 ; Contractor, 2409 Hadley Avenue ; phooe Hadley 321 ; native of 
Victoria, Texas. Came to Houston in 1903. Graduate of Wylie University 1903. Owns 
home and other property in Houston. Member Trinity M. E. Church and class leader, K. 
P. and A. 0. 0. P. Married Miss Viola L. Evander in 1905. Two children. 

Paley, Adam D. — 1878 ; Stock Keeper Southwestern Paper Co., 1310 George Street; 
native of Waller County, Texas. Came to Houston in 1899. Graduate of public school 
in 1896. Owns farm near Berkshire, Texas. Deacon Bethel Baptist Church. K. P. 

Patten, Mason B.— 1871 ; Railway Postal Clerk, 1018 Ruthven Street; phone Preston 
6243. Graduate of Prairie View Normal 1896. Owns home and other property in Hous- 
ton and San Antonio. Formerly principal of Huntsville public school for 14 years. Mem- 
ber Wesley Chapel A. M. E. Church, M. B. & R. M. A. Ry., N. A. P. E. ; Associate Editor 
N. A. P. E.; President Postal Inv. Association. Married Miss Pauline B. Garza in 1899. 

Phillips, Frank — 802 San Felipe Street; phone Preston 5684. Realty and property 
owner. Member G. U. 0. 0. F., Masonic, Trustee and Treasurer Fourth Baptist Church. 

Polk, Jos. W. — 1889; Shipping Clerk, 1404 Bayou Street; native of Houston. Mem- 
ber of Mt. Vernon M. E. Church, G. U. O. O. F. 

Porter, G. — 1874; Cleaning and Pressing, 2313 Bowling Street; native of Louisiana. 
Married Miss Ella N. Gidry in 1893. One child, Joseph Porter. Came to Houston in 1913. 
Member St. John's Baptist Church ; Masonic. Property in Louisiana. 

Portex-, Rev. H. P. — He was born March 15th, 1879, in Rusk County, Texas. Joined 
the C. M. E. Church when 8 years old. Attended the public schools until 15 years old, at 
which time he entered Texas College, working morning and evening for white people to 
pay his expenses. He remained here for six years, finishing college preparatory. He 
was licensed to preach at the age of 16, but bemg in school and teaching several years 
after coming out of school, he did not join the Conference as a regular pastor 
until 1905 under Bishop C. H. Phillips, A. M., M. D., D. D. (East Texas) C. M. E. Church. 
He has served as pastor of some of the best churches of his denomination. At this date 
he is Presiding Elder of the Houston District, member of the General Educational Boird 
of his church for two years. Editor of the Southwestern Index. Was delegate to the gen- 
eral conference of his church in St. Louis in 1914. He is the son of good Christian parents 
(Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Porter). He married Miss Elnora Brox (Porter) in November, 1902. 
One little daughter (Bernice Porter) was born to them December 22, 1903. 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 161 

Rankin, Rev. D. H. — Baptist Minister, 800 Crosby Street; phone Preston 9864; pastor 
Damascus Missionary Baptist Church ; Moderator of the Independent Missionary' Baptist 
Association of Texas and Moderator of the La Grange Western Landmark Association ; 
Vice-President of the Baptist State Convention; member of National Baptist Publishing 
Board of National Baptist Convention. Twenty-seven years of his life has been given to 
ministerial work and to the moral, social and educational uplift of his people. The last 
twenty years of his life have been spent with two congregations. 

Rhodes, Rev. W. H. — 1870; Minister; native of Galveston. Came to Houston when a 
boy. Graduate of public schools. Married Miss Minnie Barcley in 1907. Issue, two chil- 
dren, Stella Howard and Ernest Rhodes. Pastor New Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church. Has 
been in the ministry for nine years. 

Robinson, Edward W. — 1881; Railway Postal Clerk, 1802 Dowling Street; phone 
Hadley 3803. Graduate of Prairie View Normal 1904. Member Antioch Baptist Church, 
K. P. In railway postal service for nine years, class 4. Married Miss Gertrude Jeter in 
1906, who was born at Beaumont fn 1887 and graduate of public high school. Owns nice 
two-story residence. Native Orange, Texas. Came to Houston in 1909. 

Robinson, James — 1861 ; native Austin. Came to Houston in 1890. Member A. M. E. 
Church, Sunday School and class leader. 

Robinson, Rev. Jno. — 1876 ; Pastor Gallilee Missionary Baptist Church. Native of 
Taylor County, Texas. Came to Houston in 1895. Graduate of La Grange High School. 
Ordained in Houston. Member S. W. C. B. and U. B. F. 

Robinson, R. C— 1882; Porter, 3310 Hadley; phone Hadley 737. Native of Cuero, 
Texas. Came to Houston in 1905. Member K. of P. 

Robinson, W. — 1878; 613 Robin Street; phone Preston 8165. Native of Louisiana. 
Came to Houston in 1910. Married in 1905. Member Bethel Baptist Church and Masons. 

Robinson, C. R. — 1875 ; Barber, 620 Allston Street, Houston Heights : native of Geor- 
gia. Came to Houston in 1896. Owns store with hall and barber shop. Member of 
Antioch Baptist Church, Deputy G. M. of I.O. ofM. B. Has rent houses and amusement 
park. 

Russell, J. G. — 1861; S. Engineer, 1707 Velasco Street. Attended public school. 
Steward Fourth M. E. Church, P. M. Mason. Married Miss Cora Wallace in 1914. 

Rutherford, A. L.— 1877; Railway Mail Clerk, 1802 Fowler Street; phone Taylor 
2465. Native of Freestone County, Texas. Came to Houston in 1912. Married Miss Jennie 
McGregor in 1893. Former occupation, farmer and teacher for twelve years in public 
schools. Owns home in Houston and property in Marlin, Texas. Member St. Paul A. M. 
E. Church, N. A. P. E. 

Rutledge, James S. — 1876; Railway Postal Clerk 11 years, class 6, 1208 Crockett 
Street; phone Preston 5215. Native of Hempstead, Texas. Came to Houston in 1904. 
Deacon and Tru.stee New Hope Bapti.st Church : A. F. & A. M., N. A. P. E. Married Miss 
Mollie Moore in 1906. Three children. 



162 THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 

Sanderson, Prof. J. C. — Teacher, Assistant Principal Bruce School. Member A. 0. 
0. P., Masonic and K. P. 

Scott, W. M.— 1853 ; Hotel Waiter, 715 Ruthven Street ; native of Richmond, Va. Owns 
homestead. Married to Miss Eliza Bates in 1897. Have one adopted child. Member 
of Friendship Baptist Church, G. U. O. 0. F. 

Simpson, S. J.— 1884; Merchant, 1302 San Felipe Street; phone Preston 9834. 
Native of Texas. Came to Houston in 1910. Formerly employed with Pullman Com- 
pany. Married Miss Emma Shelton in 1906. Owns three lots and four rent houses. 
Member Mt. Zion Baptist Church, K. P. Proprietor grocery and all day meat market. 

Smith, Ernest Olington — The subject of this sketch is a type of the energetic, clean, 
intelligent young giants that Fisk University and such schools are sending out. He was 
born at Shelby, Ala., July 4, 1880. He was educated in the elementary schools of Birming- 
ham, Ala., and later at Fisk University at Nashville, Tenn., from which school he received 
the degree of B. A. He is at present principal of the Booker T. Washington School and 
the B. K. Bruce public night school, having been the principal of the first night school 
established for colored people, and the first person in the Houston school system to hold 
two positions at the same time. He finds time to be superintendent of a Sunday School, 
a deacon of the church, a member of the Knights of Harmony and president of the colored 
Carnegie Library, which was organized by him. 

Southwell, J. M.— 1890; Railway Postal Clerk. Native of Jasper County, Texas. 
Came to Houston in 1911. High school graduate. Railway postal clerk three years, class 
2. Member Missionary Baptist Church, N. A. P. E., Houston Local. Began teaching public 
school at the age of fifteen. Taught five years. On postal examinations made more than 
99 per cent. 

Staflford, John Thomas — 2518 Mills Street. Native of Ohio and educated in Oberlin. 
Taught school 42 years in the States of Ohio, Missouri and Texas. Married in Weston, 
Mo., in 1871. Issue seven boys and two girls. Member A. M. E. Church, as is also his 
wife. 

Stokes, Frank W. — Born in Bellville, Texas, in 1884. Came to Houston in 1902. 
Married Mrs. Mattie Graham in 1906. Owns oil lots, etc. Member and steward Wesley 
Chapel A. M. E. Church. Secretary City of Refuge Lodge No. 287, Masons, and W. S. 
of Lily of the Valley, A. O. 0. P. 

Taylor, Burt F., & Co. — Manufacturing Jewelers and Opticians, phone Preston 
2686. Complicated watch repairing a specialty. 311 San Felipe Street. The only com- 
plete jewelry establishment owned and run by colored people in the South. 

Tate, Prof. Charles C— 1857 ; Teacher, 1820 St. Emanuel Street. Native of Alabama. 
Graduate Bishop College. Teaching 30 years. Owns home and forty-acre farm. Married 
Johanna Goolsby in 1895. Wife member of Antioch Baptist Church, K. & D. of T. and L. 
0. T. 

Thomas, Linn — 1872; Merchant, residence 1618 Capron Street. Established business 
in 1912 at 902 Schwartz Street. Member Shiloh Baptist Church, U. B. F. 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



163 



Washington, L. — 1851; Transfer Line and Landlord, 3006 Nance Slreet; phone 
Preston 7118. Native of Texas. Came to Houston in 1888. Member of Mt. Zion Baptist 
Church, K. P. and G. U. 0. O. F. 

Watliins, Prof. P. H.— Teacher, 1108 Andrews Street. Mason. 

Williams, Henry N.— 1902; Student. 1407 San Felipe Street. Member of Friendship 
Baptist Church. 

William.s, James — 1867; Porter, 3519 Broadway Street. Native of Tennessee. Mar- 
ried Miss Oliver Miller in 1895. Came to Houston in 1894. Trustee St. John's Baptist 
Church, Secretary of Rose of Sharon No. 12, A. 0. 0. P. ; Secretary Pilgrim's Hall Board 
Trustees South Gate Lodge No. 195, U. B. F. 

Williams, Julius W. — 1871 ; Coffee Roaster 9 years, 1407 San Felipe Street. Native 
of Houston. Graduate High School. Married in 1908. Member of Friendship Baptist 
Church, Deacon and Sunday School Teacher. One lot in Sunny Side. 

Young, Wm.— 1871; Railway Postal Clerk, 2719 Rice Street. Native of Victoria, 
Texas. Has been in postal service 14 years. President Board of Trustees of Calvary M. 
E. Church ; Houston Local N. A. P. E. ; Treasurer Postal Investment Association, A. O. 0. 
P. Married Miss Leonora Lott in 1895. 




164 THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



Classified Business, ProEessional and Industrial List of 
Afro -Americans in Houston, Revised to May 1, 1915 

A Glance at This List Will Put You in Touch With the One You Want in Every Line of 
Activity. Classified as to Business Alphabetically. 



ATTORNEYS-AT-LAW. 

Broyles, M. Hannon 714y.) Prairie Avenue 

Burgess, G. O Courtland and .36th Avenue, Independence Heights 

Dickson, W. M. C 409 1/< Milam Street, Phone Preston 1459 

Millard, Oscar C 411i/> Travis Street, Phone Preston 5039 

Lewis, J. V 1218"Wilson Street, Phone Preston 6076 

Lewis, M. G 714i/> Prairie Avenue 

Perkins, A. G 418V^ Travis Street 

BARBERS AND BARBER SHOPS. 

Barton, Jackson 1210 Paige Street 

Barton, Ripley 2314 Congress Avenue 

Bolden, Albert 2610 Scott Street 

Bush, James 1005 San Felipe Street 

Byers, Aaron 506 Milam Street 

Chester, W. W. Basement Stewart Building, Phone Preston 3274 

Chumley & Scott 1017 Prairie Avenue 

Clark, Frank : 408 Milam Street 

Clay, Frank 33011/. Cline Street 

Cornish, J. F 3003"Nance Street 

Gray, F. J. 908 Franklin Avenue, Preston 9080 

Guyden, A. D -... 85 Marsh Street 

Hall, E. H 419 Milam Street 

Haller, J. J 2817 Dowling Street 

Harrison, L. V 409 Milam Street 

Howard & Coleman 811 Washington Avenue 

Jenkins, Robert 2414 McKinney Avenue, Preston 9420 

Jordan, Wm 3118 Dallas Street 

Leak, Robert 2806 Washington Avenue 

Logan, Joe 507 San Felipe Street, Preston 2413 

McKinney, James 2016 Congress Avenue 

Merida, J. J 906 Prairie Avenue 

Mills, James 704 Paige Street 

Moore, F. M. 807 W. 8th Avenue, Houston Heights 

Morgan, B. M 517 San Felipe Street 

Morris, W. S 2515 McKinney Avenue 

Ogden Barber Shop 413 Milam Street 

Perry, Henry 2720 Odin Avenue 

Price, J. H 92 Gable Street 

Robertson, Frank 68 Schrimpf Street 

Robinson, C. R. 624 Allston Street,' Houston Heights 

Robinson, J. E 2109 Congress Avenue 

Strong, A. J 8O31/2 San Felipe Street, Preston 4452 

Walker, C. W. 3005 Dowling Street, Hadley 2558 

Watson, Starkey 1018 Congress Avenue, Preston 1901 

West, Taylor : ; ^. 214 San Jacinto Street 

Williams, W 2115 Nassau Street 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 165 

Wilson, Lane ; 4071/2 Milam Street 

Wilson, Sam Basement Union National Bank Building, Preston 2756 

Windell, P. J 211 Milam Street 

Woodson, James 68 Schrimpf Street 

Wyatt, P. B Corner Congress and Austin Streets 

BLACKSMITHS. 

Hubert, Jno. W 701 N. San Jacinto Street, Preston 2478 

Hart, R. A 1320 San Felipe, Hadlev 4292 

Hendrix, Charles 909 Crosby Street 

Herald, A. C 1019 San Felipe Street 

Kemp, Frank 711 Smith Street, Preston 2772 

Lee, Edward 2220 Clark Street 

Oler & Gillmore 1007 Vine Street 

McCullough, B. S , 1013 Dowling Street 

Ward, C. W 2502 Dallas Avenue, Preston 7707 

BOARDING HOUSES. 

Brown, Rebecca 1206 Rice Street 

Peters, Rosa 1603 Jackson Street, Hadley 4244 

BOTTLING WORKS. 
Jones, Lacy ^ 914 St. Charles Street 

BUSINESS COLLEGES. 
Branch, J. C. E. 7141/? Prairie Avenue 

CAFES. 

Dreamland Cafe (Young Bros., Proprietors) 613 San Felipe Street 

Price's Cafe 620 San Felipe Street, Preston 2328 

CABINET MAKERS. 
Williams, J. E 1906 Live Oak Street 

CEMENT BLOCK MANUFACTURERS. 
McGowan, Hattie, Mrs. 1810 Velasco Street 

CHARCOAL DEALERS. 
Johnson, D. 2410 Anita Avenue 

CHIMNEY SWEEPS. 

Bolton, Edward 3112 Clay Avenue 

Koonts, E. J 2801 Hutchins Street 

CLOTHES CLEANERS AND PRESSERS. 

Adams, Jesse 716 Rusk Avenue 

Allen. Delia 1017 Dowling Street 

Armstrong, Otis 1104 Schwartz Street 

Austin, Roger 309 W. 6th Street, Houston Heights 

Battle & Adams '. 703 Prairie Avenue 

Buckner, Clifton 3515 Dowling Street 

Clark, C. A 2714 Odin Avenue 



166 THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 

Douglass & Billups 3018 Bowling Street 

Echols, Caleb 1515 Prairie Avenue 

Floyd, Benjamin .-. 2317 Dallas Avenue, Preston 9873 

Gorden & Thomas 2314 Congress Avenue 

Griffin, Arlege 2805 Washington Avenue 

llayward, James A. 2303 McKinney Avenue, Preston 1930 

Harrison, Haley 1913 Congress Avenue 

Hardeway & Jordan _ 409 Milam Street 

Harris, Hamilton 817 San Felipe Street 

Henry, John 2803 Odin Avenue 

Hogg, King 5051/2 San Felipe Street 

Holland, Burl 2017 Congress Avenue 

Houston, Henry Basement Rossonian Apartments 

Johnson, C. J 712 Brazos Street, Preston 9702 

Johnson, L. C. 511 La Branch Street 

Jones, George 1417 Matthews Street 

Logan, Joe 507 San Felipe Street, Preston 2413 

Littlejohn, C. L 421 San Felipe Street 

Mitchell, Benjamin 1919 llutchins Street 

Morris, Henry 312 1/> San Felipe Street 

Moss, Frank 8031/3 San Felipe Street 

Nelson, James 902 Valentine Street 

Overton, T. V 1104 Schwartz Street, Preston 7938 

Palm Beach Pressing Club 1217 Preston Avenue, Preston 3777 

Richardson, H. R 8 Allen Place 

Simmons, Neal 618 San Felipe Street 

Smith, Benjamin 1405 Milam Street 

Smith, Tony .: 314 San Felipe Street, Preston 7626 

Spivey, Antonio 1807 Jackson Street 

Stewart, 0. D. 2312 Congress Avenue 

Story, J. L. 918 Valentine Street, Preston 3258 

Thomas, Harrison 2314 Congress Avenue 

Thomas, Jefferson .-. 11 Settegast Alley 

Young, W. F 609 Rusk Avenue 

CONFECTIONERY AND FRUITS. 

Ellis, S. E. 915 San Felipe Street, Preston 5017 

Foley, Wm. 1012 San Felipe Street 

Love, Felix , 2717 Odin Avenue 

Rogers, Charles 30th Avenue and Columbia Street, Independence Heights 

Sadler & Sals 2515 Odin Avenue 

White, Edward IIO6V2 Schwartz Street 

CONTRACTORS AND BUILDERS. 

Bartley, W. E. 413i/> Milam Street, Preston 3558 

Bingham, Daniel & Son 1708 Gushing Street, Hadlev 988 

Bullock, James 2902 McGowen Avenue 

Buttler, R. H 2502 Anita Avenue, Hadlev 2458 

Davis, B. F 2018 Scott Street, Hadlev 4175 

Gunn, R. G 2919 Drew Avenue. Hadlev 4053 

Hall,E. H 1 108 Palmer Street, Hadley 2723 

Hodges, J. L 504 Allston Street, Houston Heights 

Jackson, J. H . 1704 Calhoun Avenue 

Lewis, S. D 2518 McGowen Avenue, Hadlev 4031 

White, K. J 109 Denver Avenue 

Young, Clarence 2701 Dowling Street, Hadley 302 

DELICATESSEN. 
Price's Delicatessen 620 San Felipe Street, Preston 2328 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 167 

DENTISTS. 

George, C. A 4181/, Travis Street, Preston 5128 

Cockrell, J. L. 409 14 Milam Street, Preston 1459 

DRESSMAKERS. 

Bennett. Roberta 815 St. Charles Street 

House, Earl 404 Sabine Street 

Keener, Estelle 3419 Dowling Street 

King, Julia A 804 San Felipe Street, Preston 6626 

Richer, Annie 1910 Austin Street 

Triplette, Belle 171;? Edwards Street, Preston 7498 

DRUGGISTS. 

Bavou Citv Drug Co 411 Milam Street, Preston 121 and 2245 

Climax Drug Co 2018 Dowling Street, Hadley 610 

Watts, P. W. 815 Prairie Avenue, Preston 1397 

Watts, P. W. 2402 Dowling Street, Hadley 301 

DRY GOODS AND NOTIONS. 

Harmon, J. H. 423 San Felipe Street 

EXPRESS AND DRAYAGE. 

Allen, Henderson 3300 Velasco Street 

Allen, Isiah Scott and Anderson Streets 

Bass, Grant 2801 Polk Avenue 

Baggley, John 1110 St. Charles Street 

Bates, James 314 San Felipe Street, Preston 7626 

Bolden, Wm. Holt and Scott Streets 

Cornelius, Edward 2206 Edwards Street 

Capitol Express Line Corner Caroline and Texas, Preston 1792 

Crawford, Jos. 2005 Spring Street 

Cook. Jas. 3501 Broadway. Hadley 3222 ; Preston 870 

DeBose, Wm. McGregor, 2 Blocks West of Velasco Street 

Foster, Fields 2723 Railroad Avenue 

Foster, R.G. 2509 Jefferson Avenue, Hadley 2991 

Gomez, J. F ;. 909 Maggie Street 

Guv, Geo. 822 Oxford Street, Houston Heights 

Hicks, John 1121 Court Street 

Holt, Gus 3320 Broadway, Hadley 2502 

Hunter, John 3015 Dennis Avenue 

Johnson. Armstrong -1318 Granger Street 

Johnson, D. 2410 Anita Avenue, Preston 870 

Johnson, Edward 2709 Live Oak Street 

Johnson. Freeman McGregor and Velasco Streets 

Johnson. Warren 2706 Live Oak Street 

Jones. Lewis 3104 McGowen Avenue 

Kennedy. Lee 2412 Polk Avenue 

King, Israel : Elgin and Velasco Streets 

Little. C. H 713 Railroad Avenue 

Love, A. J. 2203 Stevens Street, Preston 9405 

Lynn, Henderson Turner Avenue 

Martin, Henry 3119 Tuam Avenue 

Mason, Sammie 2304 State Street, Preston 6981 

Miller, O.M. 2902 Drew Avenue, Hadlev 2419 

Moore, J. W 622 Rutland, Houston Heights 

Mumford, Wm Wilson Addition 

Penn, J. B „ 4610 Maxie Street 

Perrv, E. M 617 Larkin Street 

Price, R. J 11 09 Palmer Street 

Roberts, Geo. „ 3002 McGowen Avenue 



168 THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



PHONE TAYLOR 1012 606 ALLSTON STREET 

GET PENNY PRICES AT 

THE REX GROCERY 

KING HUGHES, Proprietor MY MOTTO ; MORE GROCERIES FOR LESS MONEY 



Seymour, R. T. 3012 Dennis Avenue 

Simon, Henry 3217 Nance Street, Preston 7325 

Smith, J 1 106 Decker Street, Hadley 2491 

Speller, Geo 3410 George Street 

Strain, Wm. ^ Wilson Addition 

Surrell, John 1101 Summer Street, Preston 5109 

Vinson, Henry 2903 Tuam Avenue, Hadley 3631 

Williams, Charles Harrisburg Road 

Williams, W. A. I6OIV2 Congress Avenue 

FISH AND OYSTERS. 
Galveston Fish & Oyster Co 1014 San Felipe Street, Preston 2004 

FURNISHED ROOMS. 

Carter, J. H 1109 Schwartz Street, Preston 7938 

Freeman, Flora 1709 Tuam Avenue 

Lively, Charlotte 903 Live Oak Street 

Lyons, Clara 1402 Hutchins Street 

Pero, Maria 2314 German Street 

Red, Rachel 1717 St. Charles Street 

Rhoads, Louis 906 Schwailz Street 

Scott, H. T 608 Prairie Avenue, Preston 7011 

Speed, Holley 415 Smith Street 

Waterhouse, Louise 1009 Rice Street 

FURNITURE DEALERS AND REPAIRERS. 

Fisher, E. W. D. ■. 1119 Andrews Street 

Fleming, Sandy 1913 Broadway 

Miller, Sam 1007 San Felipe Street 

GROCERS. 

Allen, Wm. 1901 Live Oak Street, Hadley 2870 

Anderson, J. H 3111 Polk Avenue 

Azie, F. S. _ 1816 Worm Street 

Barlow, M. M. 3001 McGowen Avenue, Hadley 2235 

Beverly, S. B 2420 McKinnev Avenue, Preston 6657 

Bracey, Julia 2402 Scott Street 

Brock, H. F 2920 McGowen Avenue 

Burton, Harris , 3020 McGowen Avenue, Hadley 2723 

Calhoun, D. C. 624 AUston Street, Houston Heights, Taylor 1484 

Catchings, R. M 2620 Rice Street, Hadley 3441 

Clemmons, Joseph 801 W. 20th Avenue, Houston Heights 

Cloud, Robert 1112 Shearn Street, Preston 4562 

Cummings, Wm 34th and Columbia Street 

Delaney, Noah 3439 McGowen Avenue 

Eldridge, T. L 28 19 Nance Street 

Gilmore, J. S 2619 Odin Avenue 

Goodwin, D 8th and Harris Streets, Wilson Addition 

Green, S. R. „ 2609 Dowling Street 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 169 



L. W. WOODS, Proprietor L. L. WOODS, Manager 

L. ^V. AVOODS 

STAPLE AND FANCY GROCERIES 

WOOD YARD AND MEAT MARKET 

2201 GERMAN STREET PHONE PRESTON 958 HOUSTON. TEXAS 



Hackley, Rene 3501 Broadway 

Harris, J. D. 2719 Lamar Avenue 

nines, John 1607 Robin Street 

Horn & Son 2121 Nassau Street, Taylor 103 

Hudson, S. T 3002 Tuam Avenue 

Jones, J. P. & Bros 2819 Bowling Street, Hadlev 1825 

Jones, L. J 2802 Scott Street, Hadlev 1642 

Jones, Sal 1619 Saulnier, Hadley 3862 

Lane & Grays 8809 Dowling Street, Hadley 1390 

McGowan, Henry 1419 Velasco Street 

Maxwell, Wm 3401 McGowen Avenue, Hadley 2654 

Miles, Annie 902 W. 8ih Avenue, Houston Heights 

Miller, 0. M 2902 Drew Avenue, Hadley 2419 

Moose, Florence 628 Railroad Street 

Nesby, J. E Fulton and Wall Streets, Hadley 4115 

Parks, James Independence Heights 

Reed, Albert 613 San Felipe Street 

Shepherd, A. L 2402 Dowling Street, Hadlev 301 

Sidner, S. J 1908 Hailey Street 

Smith, Frank 3105 Center, Taylor 2287 

Stoney, James 2918 Holman Avenue 

Thomas, Lin 912 Schwartz Street 

Williams, D. Dennis and Sampson Streets, Hadley 1954 

Wyndon, Wm 1715 Detroit Street 

HACK AND CARRIAGE LINES. 

Goodson, Geo. 714i/> Prairie Avenue, Preston 7929 

Marshall, Cash 1917 Hickory Street, Preston 7779 

Marshall, Geo Archer and Mellwood Streets, Taylor 1798 

White, T. W 1511 Andrews Street, Preston 2713 

HAIR DRESSERS. 

Blunt, M. F 611 Robin Street 

Brent, T. W., Miss 1101 Dart Street, Preston 5009 

Brown, Mary 211 Robin Street, Preston i' 

Grimes, J. V 2419 Chenevert Street 

Watkins, Emma 1607 Jackson St.ce. 

HAND LAUNDRY. 
Collens, Geo. F 914 San Felipe Street, Preston 6455 

HAT CLEANING AND BLOCKING. 

Standard Tailoring, Cleaning & Pressing Co 220 San Felipe Street, Preston 5667 

Hayward, James A 2303 McKinney Avenue, Preston 1930 

HOSPITAL. 
Feagan, A. L 3102 Providence Street. Preston 2266 

HOUSE MOVERS. 

Cato, Wm 719 Heiner Street 

ICE CREAM PARLOR. 
Dreamland Parlor ,613 San Felipe Street 



170 THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 

INSURANCE COMPANIES. 

American Mutual Benefit Association 

of HOUSTON, TEXAS 

Phone Preston 3288. 



Is a fraternal beneficiary association organized in the City of Houston. Was incorpor- 
ated July 7, 1908. From its organization to December 31, 1914, it paid $62,352.50 for 
death benefits ; $85,642.10 for sick benefits ; total, $147,994.60. This organization bids fair 
to be one of the greatest institutions of its kind in America for and by colored people. 



Founders and present officers are W. B. Cogle, President; F. T. Perkins, Vice-Presi- 
dent ; J. B. Grigsby, Treasurer, and Wm. Nickerson, Jr., Secretary. 



Ancient Order of Pilgrims 413 l/o Travis Street, Preston 1338 

First Texas State Insurance Co. ., 714V2 Prairie Avenue, Preston 5446 

Standard American Mutual Fire Insurance Co 41314 Travis Street, Preston 2050 

JEWELERS AND WATCHMAKERS. 
Phillips, Joseph I202V2 San Felipe Street 

MANICURES. 

Manning, Sarah Basement Union National Bank Bldg. 

Taylor, Pearl 1017 Prairie Avenue 

MEAT MARKETS. 

Addison, J. C Independence Heights 

Cummings, Wm Independence Heights 

Hurd, Fred ; 2616 Hadley Avenue 

Lane & Grays 3309 Dowling Street, Hadlev 1390 

McClellan, Geo 2604 Live Oak Street 

Scull, Richards 32d Street and Houston Avenue 

MIDWIVES. 
Hagen, Annie 609 Hobson Street, Preston 6728 

MOTION PICTURES. 
New Sun Set Theatre 711 San Felipe Street 

NOTARIES. 
Bartley, W. E. 4131/2 Travis Street, Preston 3558 

Broyles, M. H 7141/2 Prairie Avenue 

Burgess, G. Independence Heights 

DeWalt, Olen P 7141/, Prairie Avenue, Preston 2599 

Dickens, W. M. C 409'/, Milam Street, Preston 1459 

Hardeway, J. J 4091/, Milam Street, Preston 2662 

Perkins, F. T 4191/2 Milam Street, Preston 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 



171 



NURSES. 

Burr, Louvenia 2402 Dallas Avenue, Preston 8263 

Butler, L. E 2502 Holman Avenue, Hadlev 536 

Foster, Dona Fulton Avenue and I. & G. N. 

Hagen, Annie 609 Hobson Street, Preston 6728 

Johnson, Bessie 609 Hobson Street, Preston 6728 



Harris, C. G. 



Covington, B. J. 
Davis, Dr. 
Durham, E. A. 

Ferrell, R. F 

Garrett, 0. C 

Lee, H. E 

Lindsay, J. H. T. 
Ramsey, E. B. 



PHOTOGRAPHERS. 

811 San Felipe Street, Preston 5960 

PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS. 

4091/2 Milam Street, Preston 6436 

411 Milam Street, Bayou Citv Drug Store 

411 V.> Travis Street, Preston 4691 

409"/-' Milam Street, Preston 1184 

417 Robin Street, Preston 8149 

4131/, Travis Street 

409 1/. Travis Street 

4191/3 Milam Street 



Keener, O. E 



McKinney, Van H. 



PRODUCE. 
PRINTERS. 



3419 Dowling Street 

4111/2 Travis Street, Preston 5039 



Pendleton, James 

Western Star Publishing Co.. 



PUBLISHERS. 



419 1/> Milam Street, Preston 5493 
4191/2 Milam Street, Preston 4338 



REAL ESTATE. 
Broyles, M. H 714i,<, Prairie Avenue 



DeWalt, 0. P. 
Edwards Land Co. 

Green, C. H 

Hardeway, J. J. 
Lee, Rob 



Anderson, James.. 

Anderson, Lucy 

Anderson. Wm. 

Bates, Frank 

Bayou City Cafe.. 

Booker, Viola 

Born, Jackson 

Boykin, Eli 
Braggs, Willie 
Brown, Clara 
Brown, John 

Brown, Taylor 

Carter, Jessie B... 



..7141/, Prairie Avenue, Preston 2599 
.4181/, Travis Street, Preston 5120 

2701 Mills Street 

..409 i/j Milam Street, Preston 2662 
4111/, Travis Street 



RESTAURANTS. 



1013 San Felipe Street 

720 Waverlv Street 

94 Gable Street 

304 Dowling Street 

411 Milam Street 

90 Gable Street 

403 Sabine Street 

2105 German Street 

2619 Leona Street 

...31st Street and Houston Avenue 

1904 Runnels Street 

2806 Washington Avenue 

2501 McKinney Avenue 



Carter, Mattie 3418 Dowling Street 

Clark, Jessie , 3100 Center Street 

Clark, R.C. :. 2504 McKinney Avenue 

Council, Cora 5519 Washington Avenue 

Crahan, Flida _ 813 San Felipe Street 

Dickson & McDuffy 271312 Odin Avenue 



172 THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 

Dixon, Wm. 1409 Clark Street 

Dorn, J. H. 1307 Congress Avenue 

Eagleton, Peter ., 312 San Felipe Street 

Ellis, Louis ; 1019 North San Jacinto Street 

Figgins, Martha „ 1220 Paige Street 

Foster, Porter 2207 Commerce Avenue 

Gordon, S. D 1101 Frederick Street 

Guiton, Sarah 85 Marsh Street 

Hayes, Sherman 141 1 Andrews Street 

Henderson, J. E 2017 Bowling Street 

Hunter, Elizabeth 3204 Washington Avenue 

Jackson, Francis 716 San Felipe Street 

James, Charlotte 19091/, Whitty Street 

Johnson, T.J 924 Andrews Street 

Jordan, Wm 3115 Dallas Avenue 

Keys, Wm 2201 Holman Avenue 

Lewis, Ella Independence Heights 

Lewis, Ernest 911 Hobson Street 

McDonald, Adeline 742 West 22nd Street 

McGee, Delphia 316 Walker Avenue 

McGowan, Elizabeth 2812 Dallas Avenue 

Mason, Annie 26041/) Washington Avenue 

Matthews, Eliza 1418 Matthews Street 

Matthews, Geo 2620 Dallas Avenue 

Micheau & O'Brien 2416 Pierce Avenue 

Mitchell, Frank 807 West 8th Avenue 

Mock, Leonard 704 Paige Street 

Pardell, Cora 2515 Prairie Avenu3 

Perry, Lula 3010 Cline Street 

Parnell, Pinkie 1205 Palmer Street 

Price, Andrew .'. 3030 Washington Avenue 

Reed, Isom 19011/, Runnels Street 

Robinson, Horace 708 Andrews Street 

Ross, Georgie 1001 Andrews Street 

Scott, Abraham 2406 McKinney Avenue 

Sharp, L. B 1011 Brown Street 

Sims, J. M 2729 Glass Street 

Smith, Lee 1202 Liberty Avenue 

Smith, Wm 2818 Nance Street 

Smith & Eika 710 Preston Avenue 

Sterling, Adolphus 1102 Schwartz Street 

Taylor, R. C 1019 Vine Street 

Vincent, W. F 280314 Odin Avenue 

Vinson, Mattie 2603 Engelke Street 

Washington, Hattie 5506 Washington Avenue 

Watson, Israel 1617 Dowling Street 

White, C. F 803 House Street 

White, Effie 801 West 6th Avenue 

Whittaker, John 1611 San Felipe Street 

Williams, Dolly 27121/, Odin Avenue 

Williams & Roberts 3001 Dowling Street 

Williams, Douglass 3103 Tennessee Street 

Williams, Lillie 2806 Odin Avenue 

Woodson, Jas ..„ 68 Schrimpf Street 

Wright, Clayton 3119 Barron Street 

SHOEMAKERS. 

Branch, Horace 1904 Runnels Street 

Grooms, L. H. 816 San Felipe Street 

Thomas, Samuel 1606 Wilson Street 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON 173 

SHOE SHINING STANDS. 

Harris, Hamilton 817 San Felipe Street 

Jones, Van 6O314 San Felipe Street 

Perry, Henry 27 16 Odin Avenue 

Thomas, Fletcher 817 Congress Avenue 

We never close. Try us when others fail you. 
Ward, J. A. 1419 Congress Avenue 

SHOOTING GALLERIES. 

Scott &Lomax 413 Milam Street 

Versa, Joseph 1902 Runnels Street 

TAILORS. 

Baird, R. C 419V^ Milam Street 

Clark, C. A. 27141/, Odin Avenue 

Davis, Geo. 907 Leeland Avenue 

King, J. W. 1006 McKinney Avenue 

Hayward, J. A 2303 McKinney Avenue, Preston 1930 

Houston Custom Tailors 2414 McKinney Avenue, Preston 9420 

Parris, L. J 2002 Bowling Street 

Ross, A. S 4I8I/2 Travis Street, Preston 5120 

Simmons, C. C. 509 San Felipe Street 

Standard Tailoring, Cleaning & Pressing Co 220 San Felipe Street, Preston 5667 

Turner, A. R 1215 Preston Avenue 

UNDERTAKERS. 

Frierson & Co 201-3 San Felipe Street 

Jackson, E 1017 San Felipe Street 

Williams, A 3014 Liberty Avenue 

WOOD DEALERS. 

Harris, R. B. 2006 Dowling Street 

Hartley, E. H _ 1506 Wickman Street 

Lawson, Thomas 3017 Houston Avenue 

Lee, E 4111/. Travis Street 

Perry, E. H 3010 Cline Street 

Sessums, A. C 1120 San Felipe Street 

Sledge, Willis 2710 Opelousas Street 

Smith, Charles 317 Ruthven Street 

Spriggs, Ellis 513 Rutland Street 

Watson, Green 711 Railroad Street 

Whitehead, Tobias 3201 Roanoke Street 

Whitehead, Walter 2719 Opelousas Street 



PRAIRIE VIEW NORMAL AND 
INDUSTRIAL COLLEGE 

PRAIRIE VIEW, TEXAS 



176 THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON— PRAIRIE VIEW STATE NORMAL 



PRAIRIE VIEW NORMAL AND INDUSTRIAL COLLEGE 

By NAT Q. HENDERSON 



The Prairie View State Normal and Industrial College was organized under an act to provide for the 
organization and support of a normal school at Prairie View, Waller County, for the preparation and 
training of colored teachers, which act was approved April 19, 4879, and provided the Prairie View State 
Normal and Industrial College shall be under the control and supervision of the Board of Directors of 
the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas. 

Aside from the preparation and training of teachers for the colored schools of Texas, Prairie View- 
aims to impart something of the scholarly spirit indispensable to excellence in teaching, and to awaken 
an enthusiasm for the education and for the industrial and moral improvement of the colored race in 
Texas. 

Believing in the value of industrial training in connection with the literary and professional studies 
as a means to mental, moral and economic improvement, the Board of Directors are from time to time 
adding to the agricultural and mechanical departments, a department of female industries is provided. 

COURSES OF STUDY. 

The instruction of students is committed to a faculty which is organized into departments, as fol- 
lows: Mathematics, English, Science, Pedagogy and History, Mechanics, Agriculture. Dress Making and 
Millinery and Cooking. 

Special mention is made of the Department of Agriculture. The aim of this course is to prepare 
better farmers, farm managers, demonstrators and teachers. The College has 1,700 acres of land at the 
disposal of this department to show the students every phase of farm lite — hay making, syrup making, 
watermelon growing; in fact, one of the chief aims of the department is to grow every kind of plant possi- 
ble so as to acquaint the student with the best methods of culture. 

The common diseases of animals and the care of the same is given strict jittention. 

MECHANICAL DEPARTMENT. 

The great object of this department is to foster a high appreciation of the value and dignity of 
labor. The students are trained in the use of the various tools employed in the mechanic arts, and are 
thus given a good foundation in manual training, which will enable them to teach the arts in the schools 
in which they may be employed. 

SHORT COURSES. 

In order to afford an opportunity for the young people to prepare tliemselves tor usefulness in the 
industrial development of the State, several short courses in the trades have been introduced. These 
courses have been introduced more for those of mature age and for those whose responsibility will not 
allow them to spend a greater length of time in the institution. Most of these courses are of one year's 
duration. Students who complete the studies of the full course satisfactorily will receive a Normal 
Diploma, which has by law the rank of a permanent teachers' certificate, and is valid during 
good behavior. 

First Grade Normal Certificates, valid for six years, and Second Grade, valid for three years, are issued 
to those who complete the required subjects and attain the required standing in the work of the third and 
second years. 

RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCES. 

On Sunday morning Sunday School is regularly held. Two voluntary Christian societies are main- 
tained by the students, the Y. W. C. A. for girls and the Young Men's Christian Association for young 
men. Two meetings are held by each association every week to study the Bible as outlined by the Inter- 
national Committee, and to discuss different religious and moral subjects. At 7 p. m. every Sunday 
students assemble in the chapel to hear a religious lecture or sermon. 

DISCIPLINE. 

The discipline of the school aims to lead students to self-control and to prepare them for the success- 
ful discharge of the practical duties of school, from shop to home. 

The careers of the students from this institution show that these ends are being attained. 

The enrollment each year is around the 1,000 mark, and as soon as increased facilities are afforded 
the enrollment will increase. 

Texas Negroes and the State have just occasion to feel proud of the work of this great school. 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON— PRAIRIE VIEW STATE NORMAL 1 



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Foster Hall 



Kirby Hall 



Agricultural Builtlinfi 



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Mess Hall and Chapel 



Administration Building 



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178 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON— PRAIRIE VIEW STATE NORMAL 




Luckie Hall 



Key lb Group On Opposite Page 


1— E. L. Blackshear 


19— J. R. Adams 


2-C. H. Waller, B. S. 


20 — Miss Ophelia Robinson 


3— William Cook 


21— G. 0. Sanders 


3X— Miss Martha C. Moxley 


22 -N. A. Banks, Ph. D. 


4— Miss Kate Fulton 


23— R. L. Isaacs 


5 -Miss Ruth Cox 


24-G. W. Buchanan 


6— E. W. Scott 


25— Mrs. Sophronia McCall 


7 — Mrs. S. E. Hancock 


26— H. J. Mason 


8— Armstrong Lewis 


27— A. Day, Jr. 


9 — Napoleon B. Edward 


28- A. D. Ewell 


10— P. E. Bledsoe, B. S. 


29— Mrs. N. R. Crawford 


11— Mrs. Ethel L. McGee 


30-C. H. Griggs, A. B. 


12 — A. Richardson 


31— W. A. Blackshear 


13— T. H. Brittain 


32—]. T. Hodges. A. B. 


14— Miss M. J. Sims 


33— W. P. Terrell, B. S. 


15— Charles Atherton 


34— J. E. Stamps, A. B. 


16 — Miss A. L. Evans 


35-H. Aldridge 


17— Miss C. B. Drisdale 


36— James W. Bartlett 


18— Miss W. B. Patterson 





180 THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON— PRAIRIE VIEW STATE NORMAL 

EDWARD L. BLACKSHEAR. 

Edward L. Blackshear, born at Montgcmery, Alabama, September 8, 1862; finished 
the Swayne High School course at the age of 12 years. Prof. J. F. McPherron, one of his 
teachers, a Northern man, became interested in young Blackshear and induced him to 
attend Tabor College in Iowa where young Blackshear lived with Prof. A. S. McPherron, 
brother of Prof. J. F. McPherron. He completed the college course in si.\ years and came 
to Texas in 1882. He spent two years teaching in the county schools of Ellis and Bastrop 
counties and working with a telephone gang, setting poles between Waco and Gatesville. 
In 1883 he was elected principal of the ward schools for colored people in the City of 
Austin. He taught in Austin for tTiirteen years, occupying successfully the positions of 
principal in a primary school, principal of grammar school and supervisor of city schools. 

In 1896 he was elected as principal of the Prairie View State Normal and Industrial 
College. He is one of the most forceful and strongest educators in the Negro race. He 
is a member of the National Association of Teachers in colored schools and a Fellow of 
the American Association for the advancement of Science ; President of the Texas State 
Negro Farmers' Congress, as well as of the National Negro Farmers' Congress, which 
national congress was organized in Birmingham, Ala., July 4, 1913, and holds its second 
biennial meeting at San Francisco, August 26 to 29, 1915. 



PERSONNEL OF PRAIRIE VIEW STATE NORMAL AND INDUSTRIAL COLLEGE. 

Adams, J. R. — 1872; Carpenter, Prairie View. Born in Tennessee. Graduate of 
University of Nashville in 1900. Married to Miss Katie Guilliam in 1906. Member of 
Masons, two years assistant superintendent of construction. 

Aldridge, H. C. — Steward, Prairie View. Born in Kentucky ; owns city property. 
Married Miss Ida Cooper in 1903. Member of the M. E. Church, Past Master Mason, U. B. 
F., S. M. T. Steward for 20 years. 

Banks, N. A. — 1860 ; Teacher, Prairie View. Born in East Liberty, Ohio. Graduate 
of B. S. & M. S. of Wilberforce and Ph. D. of Paul Quinn. Married Miss Emma A. Woods 
in 1890. Has one child. Member A .M. E. Church, P. M. of Masons, U. B. F., P. C. of 
K. of P. ; P. C. M. of K. of T., President State Teachers' Association. Taught 30 years 
in public schools. Chaplain of Prairie View Normal and Secretary of faculty. Head 
Department of Mathematics. Taught in Prairie View eight years. Professor of Higher 
Mathematics in Paul Quinn College for eight years. Principal of Palestine High School 
for nine years. Collaborator with son in textbook on Geometry now in preparation for 
press. 

Bartlett, Jas. W. — Teacher, Prairie View Normal. Born in Falls County, Texas, in 
1875. Graduate in the Literary Course Hearne Academy and Normal Course Prairie View 
Normal. Associate Professor Mathematics Prairie View past two years ; formerly vice- 
principal Waco High School. Conducted five successful summer normals. Formerly 
engaged in newspaper work at Marlin. Married Miss Ola V. Estelle in 1900. Owns home 
in Waco. Member Baptist Church and P. C. Masons. 

Blackshear, W. A. — 1891 ; Teacher, Prairie View. Born in Austin, Texas. Graduate 
of Prairie View in 1907. Member of Masons. Taught in public schools three years: at 
present assistant in Department of Mechanics. 

Bledsoe, Paul E. — 1867; Teacher, Prairie View. Born at Fayetteville, Ala. Gradu- 
ate of Talledega College and Central University of Indiana in 1887. Property consists of 
nice home. Married to Miss Annie Dell Harrison in 1890. Member of Congregational 
Church. Member of G. U. 0. O. F. and Mason. 

Brittain, T. H. — 1885; Teacher, Prairie View. Born in Nations, Texas. Graduate 
of Tuskegee in 1905. Property consists of real estate. Married to Miss Katie Blanch 
Montgomery in 1911. Member of Missionary Baptist Church. Member of Masons and 
U. B. F. Head of Manual Training Department for nine years. 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON— PRAIRIE VIEW STATE NORMAL 181 

Buchanan, G. W. — Teacher, address Prairie View, Texas. Born in Marshall, Texas. 
Graduate of Prairie View, class 1912. Owns farm and city property. Married to Miss 
Ruth Lester in 1901. Member of the Missionary Baptist Church, Odd Fellows and U. B. 
F. Taught in the public schools and three years a Prairie View State Normal Professor 
of History. 

Cook, Wm. — Foreman Printing Department. Native of Texas. Born 1878. Mar- 
ried 1890. Four years at Prairie View and 30 years a printer. 

Cox, Miss Ruth E. — Born in Mexia, Texas. Graduate of the Literary and Industrial 
Department, Sewing and Millinery Department, Prairie View Normal 1909. Teacher 
in the Domestic Art Department, Prairie View. Taught one year in the public schools of 
Freestone County, Texas. Member of the A. M. E. Church. 

Crawford, Mrs. N. R. — Teacher in Prairie View Normal. Born in Houston in 1865. 
Graduate Prairie View in 1908. Owns city and farm property. Member of the Trinity 
M. E. Church, Houston. Member Eastern Star and A. 0. 0. P. Teacher of Science Prai- 
rie View, and teacher 10 years in Houston public schools. 

Day, Aaron, Jr. — 1891 ; Teacher Prairie View Normal and Industrial Institute. Born 
at Dayton, Texas. Graduate of Prairie View in 1910. Member A. M. E. Church. Three 
years assistant professor of Chemistry in Prairie View Normal and Industrial Institute. 

Drisdale, Miss C. B. — 1885 ; Teacher, Prairie View. Born in Blum, Texas. Gradu- 
ate of Prairie View in 1905. Property consists of nice home. Member of Missionary 
Baptist Church. Formerly taught in Austin public schools. 

Edward, Napoleon B. — Teacher and Poet, Born in Gonzales, Texas. Graduate of 
the Gonzales High School and Prairie View Normal. Specialized in Languages. Suc- 
cessful teacher in the public schools of the State for over 10 years. Connected with Prai- 
rie View for past four years. At present assistant professor of Latin and English. Mem- 
ber of Providence Baptist Church, Gonzales, K. P. and U. B. F. Author of two books 
of poems, "Lyrics" and "Lyrics of Life and Love." 

Evans, Miss Annie L. — Teacher and Dean of Women's Department, Prairie View. 
Associate Professor and Head Preceptress. Member of the Methodist Church, U. B. F. 
and King's Daughters. Student of Oberlin College and University of Chicago. 

Ewell, A. D. — 1865; Instructor Steam Laundry and Hat Manufacturing, of Prairie 
View. Born at McKinney, Texas. Educated in common schools. Owns home and farm 
property. Married to Rosie Lee Warner in 1902. Member Masons, 32nd degree Scot- 
tish Rite, Order of Mystic Shrine. Studied in New York and Connecticut. 

Fulton, Miss Katie V. — Teacher. Born Fayetteville, Tenn. Graduate of Domestic 
Arts, Prairie View. Past three years teacher of Domestic Art, Prairie View. Three years 
Supervisoress of the Jean Fund in Lee County, Texas, with the best record of any teach- 
er. Took summer course in Industrial Arts. Member A. M. E. Church. Home, Belton, 
Texas. 

Griggs, C. H. — Teacher. Born at Baton Rouge, La., in 1863. Graduate Bishop Col- 
lege in 1885; A. B. and Guadaloupe College. Owns city property. Married Miss Fannie 
Abner in 1886. Member of the Missionarv Baptist Church, Assistant Grand Secretary 
U. B. F., Knights of Pythias, P. C. and P. D., United Order of Odd Fellows and Mason. 
Head Department of ili.story and Pedagogy and Dean of Men for past six years. Princi- 
pal of the Conroe College and principal of the Cuero High School for 20 years. 

Hancock, Mrs. S. E. — Teacher, Prairie View. Born at Austin, Texas. Student of 
Oberlin College. City property in Austin. Member of Congregational Church, A. M. W. 
and F. I. H. Head matron three years Domestic Science. 



182 THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON— PRAIRIE VIEW STATE NORMAL 

Hodges, Jas. P. — Teacher. Born Gonzales in 1869. Graduate Prairie View 1889. 
Graduate Atlanta University in 1894 with A, B. Degree. Owns 371 acres farm land. 
Married to Emma Morton in 1896. Member Missionary Baptist Church. Now head of 
the Department of English and Latin; manager Students' Exchange; Librarian Prairie 
View. 

Howard, C. Gertrude — Born in St. Paul. Minn. Took course in the University of 
Minnesota and the College of Agriculture. Taught one year at Tuskegee Institute and 
for the past two years in the Domestic Science Department, Prairie View Normal and 
Industrial College. 

Isaac, R. L.— Teacher. Born at Oakland, Texas, in 1872. Graduate of Prairie View 
in 1893. Owns 300 acres farm land. Married Miss M. E. Sims in 1901. Member of the 
M. E. Church, Past Master Masons, Treasurer Prairie View State Normal past two 
years. Associate Professor of Mathematics eight years. Assistant five years. Member 
Board of Directors Student Life Insurance Company of Atlanta, Ga. ; Board of Directors 
Electrical Indicators; Director College Business and Trust Co. 

Johnson, R. F. — 1889 ; Shoemaking, Prairie View. Born at Minerva, Texas. St. 
Louis factory training. Property consists of home. Member of Antioch Baptist Church. 
Mason. Instructor in shoemaking for eight years. 

Lewis, Armstrong — 1889; Blacksmithing, Prairie View. Born in Georgia. Graduate 
of Tuskegee in 1911. City property. Member of Wesley Chapel, Houston, Grand United 
Order of Odd Fellows and P. C. F. Instructor in Blacksmithing and Wheelwright. 

Mason, H. J. — Born in 1886 at Hockley, Texas. Graduate in college course in Wiley 
College. Member of the M. E. Church and Farmers' Improvement Society. Taught one 
year in English Department, Prairie View Normal. At present is secretary to the Presi- 
dent. Formerly assistant business manager Southwestern Christian Advocate. 

McCall, Mrs. Saphronia — Head Nurse, Prairie View Hospital past three vears. Born 
1877. Native Texan. Graduate of the Provident Hospital, Chicago, 111., 1911. Owns 
home. Member of the M. E. Church. 

McGee, Mrs. Ethel — Widow. Born at Wilberforce, Ohio. Educated in the Wilberforce 
University. Graduate in Domestic Art and Domestic Science. For past two years 
teacher in Domestic Science Department, Prairie View Normal. Member of the A. M. E. 
Church. 

Moxley, Miss Martha C. — Teacher, Prairie View. Born at Corsicana, Texas. Gradu- 
ate of Prairie View in 1914. Member Missionary Baptist Church. For past year assistant 
music teacher. 

Patterson, Miss W. B. — Teacher, Prairie View. Born at Calvert, Texas. Graduate 
of Washington Normal and Washington College of Music in 1909. Member M. E. Church. 
Music teacher and directress of Prairie View chorus. 

Richardson, A. — Head of Tailoring Department. Born at Evansville, Wis., in 1880. 
Address, Prairie View, Texas. Graduate of Prairie View, Evansville High School and 
Tuskegee Institute in 1905. Owns house and lot. Married Miss Nancy Thompkins in 
1914. Member Congregational Church. Member Masons. Connected with Prairie View 
three years. Formerly instructor in Tailoring at Topeka College. 

Robinson, Miss O. A. — Born in Jackson County, Texas. Educated in the public 
schools of Victoria, Texas, and graduate of Mary Allen Seminary. Taught in Mary Allen 
Seminaiy and rural schools for 12 years. Teacher in the English Department, Prairie 
View, for the past three years. Member of the M. E. Church and Farmers' Improvement 
Society. Owns home. 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON— PRAIRIE VIEW STATE NORMAL 183 

Sanders, Gaston O. — 1878: Mechanical and Electrical Engineer, Prairie View Nor- 
mal and Industrial Institute. Born at San Diego, Cal. Graduate of Tillotson College in 
1899. Post-Graduate Streight University. Married to Pearl W. Washington in 1904. 
Trustee M. E. Church, K. R. and S. K. of P., Secretary Masons Benevolent Association 
seven years. Spanish and French interpreter United States Immigration Service. Two 
years with Prairie View. Family of six children. 

Scott, E. W.— 1886; Teacher, Prairie View, Texas. Born in Belton, Texas. Gradu- 
ate of Prairie View Normal and Industrial Institute 1912. Owns 125 aci'es of farm land 
in Bell County. Married to Miss Violet V. Jackson in 1901. Past Secretary of Masons. 
Member Odd Fellows. Member M. E. Church. Head of Broom and Mattress Depart- 
ment. Three years in this position. Formerly taught in State D. D. & B. Institute at 
Austin, and taught for several years in public schools. ^ 

Simms, Miss M. J. — Teacher, Prairie View. Born in Austin. Graduate of Prairie 
View in 1890. Property consists of nice home. Member of Missionary Baptist Church. 
Member of U. B. F., S. M. T., Young Women's Christian Association; Assistant Precep- 
tress Young Women's Christian Association. 

Terrell, Prof. W. P. — Address, Prairie View, Texas. Born at Fort Worth, Texas, 
in 1884. Head Mechanical Department, Prairie View. Graduate of Kansas State Agri- 
cultural College, 1904, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Married Miss R. E. 
L. Lyman in 1914. Junior Deacon Masons, member Missionary Baptist Church. Asso- 
ciate member American Institute Electricity. Nine years with Prairie View. 

Waller, C. H. — 1905; Professor of Agriculture. Born at Macon, Ga., in 1880. Grad- 
uate Pennsylvania State College, 1905, and South Carolina State College in 1898. Owns 
$3,000.00 worth of property. Married Miss Annie M. Walton in 1908. Member Pres- 
byterian Church, Masons, A. Z., F. I. S. Taught at Tuskegee. Head of Science Depart- 
ment, Haines Institute, Augusta, Ga. Head of the Agricultural Department of Prairie 
View four years. 

Wood, A. T. — 1889; Agricultural Department, Prairie View Normal. Prairie View. 
Bom at Rusk, Texas. Graduate of Prairie View in 1912. Member of Missionary- Baptist 
Church, Masons, K. of P., I. C. Professor of Agronomy. Taught in public school at 
Rusk, Texas. 



184 THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON— PRAIRIE VIEW STATE NORMAL 



THE CAPABILITY OF THE NEGRO RACE 

By Prof. E. L. Blackshear 
P^oremost Negro in Texas Cites Proof to Sliow Progress Being Made 



During the war between the States, that war whose battle of Gettysburg marks the 
climax of all that was romantic and chivalric in war as poetically conceived in contrast 
to the purely mechanical and impersonal carnage of the present great war in Europe, the 
Moi'ril act was passed by the Congress of the United States and signed by the immortal 
President Lincoln. This act was introduced by Senator Morril of Vermont and its pas- 
sage attracted little notice at the time, engrossed as the nation was in the interest arising 
out of the States. Yet the Morril act was wholly unique in the history of civilization. 
Never oefore had such sums been spent for mechanical and agricultural education in 
the schools of a people. Each of the States became entitled to a free appropriation of 
$25,000 annually. A subsequent act of Congress has increased this sum to $50,000 annu- 
ally for each State. Thus a vast work of popular practical education was inaugurated, and 
in all the Southern States it was made obligatory that a part of this money should be 
spent for the colored people of these States and on this foundation rests the establishment 
and maintenance of Southern State colleges for Negro youth including the Prairie View 
State Normal and Industrial College. Thus do we, the Negroes of the South, owe to the 
wisdom, foresight and broad-minded spirit of Senator Justin Morril of Vermont a debt 
of imperishable gratitude and profound respect as one of the great builders of American 
civilization. 

MANY HELPS FOR EDUCATIONAL MOVEMENT. 

But the Morril fund is not the only agency that is responsible for the inauguration of 
the educational movement among the Negro people of the South. We owe a debt to the 
organized Christianity of this nation we could never have repaid except as we have taken 
advantage of the opportunities which the American Christian denominations have offered 
us and still offer us in schools established as Christian educational missions among the 
Negro people. The Methodist Episcopal Church, South, Southern Presbyterians, the 
Northern Methodist, Baptist and Presbyterians, the Christian Church, Roman Catholic 
and Congregationalist have all contributed to the education and civilization as well as to 
the evangelization of the Negroes of the United States. Such institutions as Fisk, Walden 
at Nashville, Straight and Leland at New Orleans, Atlanta, Clark and Atlanta Baptist 
College at Atlanta, Emerson at Mobile, Chafiin at Orangeburg, S. C, Shaw at Raleigh, 
Talladega College in Alabama, the Hartshorn Memorial College and Virginia Union Sem- 
inary at Richmond, Bishop and Wiley at Marshall, Texas, Tillotson and Samuel Houston 
at Austin and Mary Allen at Crockett, Texas, have exerted an inestimable influence in 
Christianizing as well as educating the Negroes and in lightening that historic burden 
which the white man bears in all lands and zones of the globe. Nor should we fail to 
mention the many institutions established and su.stained by Negroes themselves with 
little, of any, outside aid, of which the Central Texas College at Waco, the Industrial 
College at Fort Woi'th, and Hou.ston College are excellent examples. 

SIGNIFICANT HISTORY OF NEGRO EDUCATION. 

But no less significant in the brief but interesting history of Negro education has 
been the rise and growth of what is known as industrial education as first inaugurated by 
General Armstrong in army barracks at Hampton, Virginia, and which has since become 
the Hampton Institute of national fame. This industrial idea of education born in the 
brain of a Christian Federal officer. General Armstrong, who was born the son of mis- 
sionary parents in the Hawaiian Islands, was taken up by his great pupil, Booker T. 
Washington, a slave child of the hills of West Virginia, and popularized by successful 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON— PRAIRIE VIEW STATE NORMAL 185 

exemplification at the Tuakegee institution and by stcillful delineation on the lecture plat- 
form and in the public press and printed page that industrial education has become the 
theme of the hour not only for Negroes but for whites as well. It is Dr. Washington him- 
self who tells in his inimitable way how when the white man takes over an occupation 
formerly monopolized by Negroes he always gives a new name to the occupation which 
at the same time he refines and improves. Thus the black man's barber shop becomes 
the white man's tonsorial parlors and Uncle Sambo's whitewashing become Mr. George's 
kalsomining and artistic mural decoration. And now Dr. Washington's simple industrial 
training has become for the white man, vocational education viewed in its varied psy- 
chological, economic, historic, physiological, ethical, esthetic and social phases. However, 
jesting aside, this is one secret of the white man's progress — his wonderful ability to 
analyze thought, a process or phenomenon and tnrow these parts into new and amazing 
synthesis. Dr. Washington's conception of industrial education for the Negro and of its 
relation to the South's economic possibilities and welfare met with instant approval from 
white people North and South but as for us, his own people, the plan of industrial edu- 
cation met with strong opposition for a number of years. 

THE VICTORY OF BOOKER T. WASHINGTON. 

But today the victory of Dr. Washington's propaganda is well nigh complete, but the 
trouble so far as Negroes are concerned is that equipment for industrial education is 
expensive, and trained teachers of the industrial arts are few and far between. Among 
the white Americans North and South, there is no longer any doubt as to the value of 
industrial education and vast sums are spent annually to equip the white boy to meet the 
industrial needs of his day. While although all acknowledge now that industrial educa- 
tion is the great need of the Negro youth, yet but little is really being adequately under- 
taken in their behalf except in a few progressive cities like Houston, where under the 
influence of that prince among educators and Christian leaders, philosophers and states- 
men, Hon. P. W. Horn, much has already been undertaken and still greater things may 
be hoped for. Yet in many places small beginnings are being made, inaugurated out of 
which the needful facilities may develop. One thing is certain : he who opposes industrial 
education for the colored people is indeed blmd and can not read the signs of the time. 
Of all races we need most to revise our estimate of the dignity and value of labor and to 
acquire a permanent conception of the true relation of labor to health, wealth and mor- 
als. If there is ever to be an aristocracy of our race let it be that of those who are 
industrious and at the same time morally decent — an aristocracy of honest thrift and 
not one of sham and pretense and mere aping of the extravagances of the white race. 
Indeed, we should emulate the less obvious and really fundamental qualities of the white 
race on which its progres has rested — the stern qualities of thrift, character, economy, 
will-power and self-mastery. Of all the peoples we need most, for example, the simple 
lessons of saving and economy, of present self-sacrifice for the future good. 

WHAT DR. KNAPP ACCOMPLISHED. 

We turn aside from the consideration of the movement of industrial education with 
which the name of Dr. Washington will be forever closely associated to that of another 
related movement inaugurated in the South by a Northern man whose name will live 
always in the memories and aff'ections of the white South, a man whose achievements, 
however, have had a fai'-i'eaching eflFect on both races and on all sections of our common 
country. I refer, of course, to Dr. Seaman Knapp, and I quote verbatim a brief sketch 
of his work taken from the recently issued report of the General Education Board, 
1902-1914, a valuable document which may be had free by addressing General Education 
Board, 61 Broadway. New York, N. Y. Says this report: 

The Mexican boll weevil was just beginning its devastations. As the pest spread, a 
panic had taken place in Texas. Cotton was the principal crop, and the days of its prof- 
itable cultivation seemed to be numbered. Farms were abandoned and counties nigh 
depopulated. Acting for the United States Department of Agriculture, Dr. Knapp in 1903 
established a community demonstration farm at Terrell, Texas, for the purpose of show- 
ing farmers how cotton could be raised despite the boll wee\il, with such success, indeed, 
that from one point of view, the boll weevil curse proved a sort of blessing in disguise. 



186 THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON— PRAIRIE VIEW STATE NORMAL 

By means of the improved methods employed by Dr. Knapp, the production of cotton was 
actually increased and normal business conditions were accordingly restored. 

Dr. Knapp's procedure was the very essence of simplicity. He knew that through 
seed selection and intensive farming the productivity of lands could be immensely aug- 
mented; in a word, more could be gained through intelligence than was lost through the 
weevil. In every afflicted vicinity Dr. Knapp undertook to propagate his methods by 
actual "demonstration" of their value. 

DR. KNAPP'S PLAN SIMPLE ONE. 

Selecting a relatively capable farmer in a given neighborhood, Dr. Knapp induced 
him to plant and cultivate a certain amount of land in a certain way with a certain 
Kind of seed ; he relied on the natural imitative instinct to induce others to follow when 
once the result called attention to the superiority of the process. His bearing in the field 
was characteristic and inimitable. Approaching the farmer whom he desired to interest, 
he carried on a dialogue somewhat in this fashion : 

"I have a cotton seed," he would explain, "which has been carefully selected through 
a long series of years. The planting of this seed and its proper cultivation will more 
than double your yield of cotton. 

"We have come to you as a leading farmer of this vicinity and would like to have 
you make demonstration of its value. The demonstration, we believe, will not only con- 
vince you of the value of good seed and of scientific tillage, but will also teach your 
neighbors the same thing." 

Interest once aroused and confidence gained, the necessary conditions were broached 
one by one. The land must be plowed in the fall. "Why?" Because fall plowing gives 
mellowness to the soil and affords nature an opportunity to prepare plant food for the 
coming season. Moreover, the rows of cotton must be planted wide apart. "Why?" 
Because 85 per cent or more of all vegetation is light and air; if the rows are close 
together the cotton is starved and smothered. Again, the cotton must be cultivated six or 
eight times. "Why?" Because there is plenty of moisture down by the roots and you can 
keep it there only by constantly breaking up the soil so that it may not be evaporated by 
the heat of the sun. Thus the demonstration was in the first instance a simple object 
lesson. A few shrewd aphorisms controlled Dr. Knapp's procedure: "Don't confuse 
the people by elaborate programs ; the average man, like the crow, can not count more 
than three." And again, "Do the next thing." He formulated and widely circulated 

TEN AGRICULTURAL COMMANDMENTS. 

1. The removal of all surplus water on and in the soil. 

2. Deep fall plowing, and in the South a winter crop (oats, wheat, etc.) 

3. The best seed including variety and quality. 

4. Proper spacing of plants. 

5. Intensive cultivation and systematic rotation of crops. 

6. The judicious use of barnyard manure, legumes and commercial fertilizers. 

7. The home production of the food required for the family and for the stock. 

8. The use of more horsepower and better machinery. 

9. The raising of more and better stock, including the cultivation of grasses and 
forage plants. 

10. Keeping an accurate account of the cost of the farm operations. 

Such, in brief, is the General Education Board's sketch of the work of the immortal 
Seaman Knapp, and in this work is seen the germ of that great extension work which 
is the fruit of the congressional eflfort of a great South Carolina .statesman, Hon. Mr. 
Lever, and the methods of this work will be but the extension to every phase of rural 
life in the United States of the methods of the late lamented Dr. Seaman Knapp. 

THE LEVER FUND EPOCHAL ADVANCE. 

Unlike the Morril fund, however, the Lever fund, which will place at the disposal of 
the States ultimately a total of several millions of dollars for extension work among the 
people on the farm, conditioned on each State's appropriation of a sum equal to what it 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON— PRAIRIE VIEW STATE NORMAL 187 

receives from the Federal government, the Lever fund act did not make it obligatory that 
a share of what each State receives should be spent for the benefit of the Negro people. 
In Alabama a part of the Lever fund has, however, been set apart for the Negroes, and in 
Texas Hon. Clarence Ousley, director of extension, announces that a part of the Lever 
fund allotted Texas will probably be spent among the Negroes. Yet even though no part 
of the Lever fund were spent in any State specifically for work among Negroes, still will 
the Negroes benefit by the example of their white neighbors and by information gained 
directly and indirectly from them. Knowledge, like light, has a way of sending its ray 
in all directions, and, like life itself, has its own modes of propagation; when once it 
gets started on its way. In this great nation, where the white light of science beats down 
in mighty floods of radiation upon all her institutions of art, of learning, of religion and 
of civilization, it will be strange indeed if the black people do not catch some ray of its 
benefits in every department of human thought and human endeavor; do not catch at 
least some crumbs falling from the groaning festal board of truth where the fruits of 
investigation increase in richness and abundance from hour to hour. A practical proof 
of such generalization is seen in the report of the General Education Board, page 54, on 
"Farm Demonstration Work Among Negro Farmers," which reads: 

"DEMONSTRATION WORK AMONG NEGRO FARMERS. 

"The Negro farmer has been quick to take advantage of such opportunities in dem- 
onstration work as have been offered to him by the agents. In his very first report Dr. 
Knapp writes : 'As the bulk of cotton crops is produced by colored laborers and tenants, 
all of our agents are not only instructed but of their own choice select colored farmers as 
demonstrators, visiting them regularly and giving them every attention.' In some States, 
colored local agents work under white State agents. At Mound Bayou, in the delta 
region of Mississippi, under a colored local agent, six demonstrators were started in 
1907; 41 were in operation the next year, and the sum of $50 was raised for colored peo- 
ple themselves for prizes. In Virginia a somewhat different plan is pursued, a district 
agent reporting directly to Washington being in charge. Hampton and Tuskegee Insti- 
tutes and many other industrial and agricultural schools for Negroes have played essen- 
tial parts in this development. Their training has produced agents and teachers, who go 
out into life persuaded that the fate of the race depends primarily on improved economic 
efficiency. Frequently, throughout the year, the Negro farmers of the neighborhood or 
State are brought together to see and to value each other's product. Pride and solidar- 
ity are thus built upon." 

DEMONSTRATION AMONG NEGROES. 

The precise results due to demonstration efforts among Negro farmers are difficult 
to give, because many colored farmers are enrolled under white agents; but the number 
of colored agents is gradually increasing. In 1910 there were 23; next year 32. At the 
latter date 3,709 Negro farmers were reported by name, and it was estimated by the 
department that 20,000 were under instruction. The results were as good as those 
obtained by the whites. In South Carolina, for example (where, by the way, 56 per 
cent, of the farms are operated by Negroes without white supervision), there were, in 
191 r, 570 acres of cotton and 449 acres of corn under demonstration by Negroes. 

The average yield per acre throughout the State was 795 pounds of seed cotton and 
18.2 bushels of corn. " The Negro demonstrators averaged 1567.9 pounds of seed cotton 
and 38.1 bushels of corn. The gain in money at current price approximateed $24,000. 

Among Negroes as among whites the work tends to expand in scope. Demonstrators 
are instructed to procure information regarding the rural economy of the Negro tarmers, 
how many plow in the fall, have summer and winter gardens, keep a cow, care for poul- 
try, pigs, etc. At Snow Hill, Alabama, the Negro demonstrators have formed a club 
and agreed on "a standard," retjuiring every member to possess an enclosed garden, ''in 
which something must be kept growing the year round," to keep at least one hog for each 
member of the family, not less than 30 hens, and a cow or two ; to preserve or can fruit 
suHicient for the family's demand, to plant shrubs and whitewash the house, and to take 
ai lea.st one agricultural paper. Local agents report many instances of improved farm 
equipments due to demonstration work, home gardens, wire fences, new mules, harvest- 
ers, riding cultivators, grain drills, enlarged houses, cleaned premises and the liberal use 



188 THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON— PRAIRIE VIEW STATE NORMAL 

of whitewash. The farm demonstration arouses pride and stimulates enei^gj'. The net 
outcome has never been more picturesquely summed up than by a Negro farmer in Vir- 
ginia: "You done turned the kiver down and waked us up." 

The General Education Board has also undertaken a special work among the Negroes 
to improve Negro rural schools under the idea tnat it is the rural school that is the thing 
of special interest for Negro improvement since 80 per cent of the Negroes in the South- 
ern States live on the farm. IBeginning on page 194 we read as follows: 

STATE SUPERVISORS OF NEGRO RURAL SCHOOLS. 

For the purpose of arousing interest in furnishing intelligent and specialized guid- 
ance, a State supervisor of Negro schools was supported in Virginia by the Peabody 
Educational Fund and the Southern Educational Board. The appointee had already 
demonstrated the value of such supervision while superintendent of schools in llerico 
County, Virginia. The General Education Board, recognizing the importance of this work, 
decided to extend it throughout the South as opportunity occurred. The board offered to 
co-operate with the State Department of Education by furnish) ng funds adequate to pay 
the salaries and expenses of State agents for Negro rural schools. Appropriations were 
to be made to State Department and only on application of these departments ; the agent, . 
or supervisor, as he is usually called, was to be chosen by the State Superintendent of 
Education and thus become a State official with all the powers and responsibilities of such 
a position. On this basis agents are now supported by the General Education Board in 
the States of Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee and 
Virginia. 

These agents are white men who have had large and successful experience in .school 
management. They have in every instance gained the confidence not only of the colored 
people and the public school authorities, but of the white citizens in general. As repre- 
senting the State Department they have the entree to all counties, communities and 
schools ; they transact the State's business with county superintendents, county school 
boards, local trustees and teachers. They interest the Negroes of a vicinity in the local 
school and bring the two races to join in its improvement. Substantial sums have been 
obtained from both races for local school improvement. They have already brought about 
the consolidation of several weak schools into central schools; they have participated in 
planning and constructing school buildings ; in choosing teachers, in improving the cur- 
riculum, especially along industrial and domestic lines ; in effecting co-operation between 
the schools, farm demonstration and club agents, and in securing gradually increasing 
allotments from public funds, of which, however, the expenditure on the Negro is still 
disproportionately small. For the support of these agents the General Education Board 
appropriates $2,500 each per year for salary and a sum of not to exceed $1,000 each for 
necessary expenses. ' 

CO-OPERATION WITH THE ANNA T. JEANES FUND. 

The effectiveness of this work has been greatly increased by its intimate association 
with the activities of the industrial supervisors and teachers supported by the Jeanes' 
fund. These teachers, appointed by the county superintendents and working under their 
direction, are at the same time in close co-operation with the State agent maintained by 
the General Education Board. At the present time 128 such teachers are at work. They 
are for the most part graduates of Hampton, Tuskegee, Petersburg, Fisk, Atlanta, Spel- 
man and kindred institutions. Each teacher visits a number of county schools, gives a 
le.sson in some industry, plans with the regular teacher to give additional lessons in her 
absence, organizes parents' clubs, and starts a movement for better school equipment or 
longer term, counsels the local teacher about her daily teaching, and stirs the community 
to united efforts to better the school. Many of these teachers are employed for the entire 
year ; when school is no longer in session, they carry on similar work in the coinmunity. 
Wherever the industrial teacher and the rural school supervisor have gone, quick improve- 
ment is perceptible in the physical appearance of grounds, buildings and pupils. Improve- 
ment leagues are formed; money is raised by subscription to paint or whitewash the 
building, to buy a stove and procure the necessary equipment for cooking classes both 
among the girls and their mothers. Elementary 'sanitation is inculcated, fairs and exhibi- 



THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON — PRAIRIE VIEW STATE NORMAL 189 

tions are held through which the results are brought together for the pleasure and enlight- 
enment of the pupils and patrons. In 1912-13, 23 supervising teachers worked under the 
general direction of the State supervisors in 25 Virginia counties ; 591 schools were visited, 
417 of them regularly, 189 extended their term by one month, their patrons bearing the 
expense; 20 new school houses were built at a cost of $23,808; 15 more were enlarged at 
a cost of $2,212 ; 428 school leagues raised among Negroes $22,655. 

In 1913-14, supervising industrial teachers worked in 27 counties; 22 new Negro- 
school houses, costmg $18,230, were built; 12 enlarged at a co.st of $3,612; 182 extended 
their terms one month through subscriptions, mainly of their patrons ; 125 sanitary out- 
houses were built ; $28,673 was raised by Negroes for school improvements. 

ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN VIRGINIA. 

It is impossible to draw a sharp line between this work and that of the clubs 
described as part of the farm denominations. In Virginia, for example, 14 teachers 
report 617 girls in clubs of fifteen counties with 416 home gardens of which two-thirds are 
"excellent." The girls put up 10,504 jars of vegetables for home use, their mothers 
12,269. "I spent August 5 and 6 with Superintendent Washington of Caroline County," 
writes the State Supei'visor in September, 1913. 

"We joined the supervising teacher and the special agent in charge of canning clubs, 
and drove through the country, visiting the gardens of the various members of the club. 
Kvery garden was laid off in straight rows, usually eight, with a walk in the middle. There 
were two rows of flowers, two rows of cabbage, two rows of snap beans, one early and 
one late, and two rows of tomatoes. They were well cultivated, and most of them had 
resisted the temptation to 'hill* the tomatoes, and cultivate level, as they were directed. 
In nearly every case the tomatoes were held up by some support." 

On the 8th there was held at Bowling Green the first conference of girls' canning 
and poultry clubs of Caroline County. Nearly all of the eight members were present with 
their parents and other members of their families. They brought exhibits of their vege- 
tables, canned goods, bread, cake, sewing, poultry, etc. Simple prizes given by the Coun- 
ty School Board were awarded. Girls who had been most successful and those who had 
overcome unusual difficulties were called on to tell how they cultivated their gardens, how 
the.\- made their fences, how they canned their tomatoes or baked bread. The prize for the 
best kept garden was awarded to two motherless girls, 11 and 12 years of age, who kept 
house for their father. Their garden, located in a piece of newly cleared land, was a 
model of neatness and careful cultivation. Similar experiences can be reported from the 
other States. 

IMPROVED RELATIONS OF THE RACES. 

A more cordial relation between the races has followed in the wake of educational 
progress. Nothing, indeed, is of fairer promise than the awakened interest of the white 
— superintendents and laymen — in the improvement of Negro schools. For example, a 
conference of Alabama county superintendents with the State superintendent and the 
State supervisor of Negro schools, visits Tuskegee Institute in a body and confesses "a 
new vision in regard to the Negro." Again, the State supervisor addresses the 
Young Men's Christian A.s.sociation of the State Coflege of Agriculture at Auburn, Ala., 
on the Negro problem, and 45 members subsequently accompanied him on a visit of 
inspection to Tuskegee. At one of the summer institutes held for Negro teachers in 
Lieorgia the work of the Negro industrial teacher was so novel and interesting that the 
white county superintendent asked her to come over to the white institute in order to 
give a demonstration of her work. She was kept half a day answering questions and 
explaining the way she did the work. At other times, white teachers have gone to .see 
what the Negroes were doing in their institutes. What they observe surprises the whites 
and the experience aflFords pleasure and stimulation to the Negro teachers. "Shall this 
not be a mighty entering wedge to reach the prejudice and sympatny of .e white peo- 
ple?" asks the State agent in reporting the incidents. From North Carolina comes an 
account of a meeting of leading white citizens at the Slater Normal School for Negroes. 
Among them were the city and county superintendents of schools and several members 
of the board of trustees. The object of the meeting was to study the conditions and needs 



190 THE RED BOOK OF HOUSTON— PRAIRIE VIEW STATE NORMAL 

of the normal schools in order to devise means by which it may train more and better 
teachers and serve the Negro race more effectively. Plans for the erection of a I'ew 
dormitory for girls and for improving the teacher training course were discussed." 

THE CAPABILITY OF THE NEGRO RACE. 

Can any one doubt the capability of the Negroes to respond to modein industrial 
cultural methods? Our past achievements as Negroes are such as to awaken new con- 
lidence in ourselves and new hope and determination for the future. We constitute a 
population of 9,827,763, or 10.7 per cent, of the total population in 1910. Only 47.8 per 
cent, of the Negro school population of 6 to 20 years, inclusive, enjoy school advantages as 
compared to 66.9 per cent, of the whites, and yet, with an average school attendance of 
only about three months in the year, we have reduced our illiteracy since 1865 from 100 
per cent, to 30.4 per cent. In 1910 Southern Negroes owned 1,917,391 homes, an increase 
in home owning over 1900 of 2.4 per cent. Of the total number of Negroes over 10 years 
of age, namely 7,317,292, 71 per cent., or 5,192,535, were engaged in self-supporting 
labor. The total number of farms in the United States in 1910 was 6,261,500, of which 
Negroes operated 893,370, representing a total value in investment of $1,142,000,000. 
Three-fourths of the Negro farmers were tenants and one-fourth were owners. Perhaps 
the most remarkable of all the revelations of the census of 1910 is the fact that the death 
rate of the Negroes showed a decrease of 3.9 per cent., although the death rate of the 
Negroes is still almost twice as high as thao of the whites, showing there is yet a vast 
work of reform in hygiene and sanitation to be achieved among Negroes. 

Teachers of my race, let us gird our loins anew and put on the whole armor of right- 
eousness and efficiency. Let us study anew the problems of education, that wonderful 
process which as being a characteri-stic of living beings is in reality as indefinable as life 
itself. But by its fruits we can know, define and direct it. And who can doubt that it 
is in all races and under all its names and guises eventually a moral process, a develop- 
ment of character, of essential manhood and womanhood. In these days the slogan of all 
efforts is service and the good of education is thus a moral one — service to our fellowmen 
and "as ye would that men should do to you do ye even so to them," said the Great 
Teacher, who also said He came not to be ministered unto but to minister unto others 
and who girded His loins and washed His disciples' feet, and who declared on one occa- 
sion : "He that would be greatest among you, let him be servant of all." He gave His 
life for man, and in His name and baptized in His spirit let us give our lives to the chil- 
dren of our race, in the spirit of Him who loved little children and said: "Suffer little 
children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven." 

Let us as teachers of a race inculcate the spirit of friendliness toward the white race 
and, indeed, toward all races of men. Nothing is so potent as love and loving kindness 
and love is the great solvent of all proolems as it is also the lulfilling of the law of our 
being. The world is in the throes of a worldwide war, but by and by peace will come and 
will encircle the globe as an earnest of the greater and more enduring peace of Christ 
between all races of men which the choral angels once sang about to awestruck shepherds 
above Judea's moonlit plains : "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will 
toward men." 



- '^^ ii II I ! n o^'-f' ^ 



J. B. BELL, Chairman 
REV. W. H. LOGAN REV. F. L. LIGHTS 

REV. A. W. CARR REV. C. C. HARPER 

PROF. W. E. MILLER J. J. HARDEWAY 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

INTRODUCTORY 3 

FRONTISPIECE '. 4 

A Few Harris County Survivors of Ante-Bellum Days. 

EFFICIENCY 5 

By Emmett J. Scott. 

VIEW OF COLORED CARNEGIE LIBRARY 12 

VIEW OF HOUSTON INDUSTRIAL COLLEGE 12 

HOUSTON COLLEGE SETTLEMENT ASSOCIATION 12 

COLORED SCHOOLS OF HOUSTON 13 

By Prof. E. O. Smith. 

PROGRESS OF NEGRO CHURCHES IN HOUSTON SINCE EMANCIPATION OR THE CIVIL WAR. 21 
By Rev. W. H. Logan. 

BRIEF SKETCH OF HOUSTON BAPTISTS 24 

By F. L. Lights. D. D. 

INDUSTRIAL LIFE IN THE UNITED STATES 26 

PHOTOS AND VIEWS OF CHURCHES 31 

COLORED METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 53 

PHOTOS 55 

RISE OF THE RACE 61 

VIEWS OF CHURCHES AND PHOTOS 69 

HOUSTON CHURCHES 72 

PAUL QUINN COLLEGE, WACO, TEXAS 78 

THE FULLNESS OF TIME (a Poem) 79 

VIEWS OF HOUST(»J SCHOOLS 87 

SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS : 91 

CLUBS AND LODGES 96 

VIEWS OF RESIDENCES A^ D PHOTOS 99 

SOCIAL CALENDAR 108 

PHOTOS AND VIEWS OF RESIDENCES 112 

MARKS OF PROGRESS 116 

CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS AND PASTORS 120 

VIEWS OF RESIDENCES AND PHOTOS 122 

AN ADDRESS AT EMANCIPATION CELEBRATION IN HOUSTON 126 

By Hon. W. M. C. Dickson. 

PHOTOS AND VIEWS OF RESIDENCES 130 

DIGEST OF RULES OF ETIQUETTE 138 

PHOTOS 141 

NEGRO HEALTH PROBLEM l'i8 

By Dr. H. E. Lee. 

PROFESSIONAL AND INDUSTRIAL LIST 152 

CLASSIFIED BUSINESS. PROFESSIONAL AND INDUSTRIAL LIST 164 

PRAIRIE \1EW NORMAL AND INDUSTRIAL COLLEGE, PRAIRIE VIEW, TEXAS 175 



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